Befriending

Anyone with a life-threatening illness or terminal diagnosis can register for a Befriender, whatever their age. The service is free. Befriending aims to complement existing services, not to replace them.

Do you want someone with whom to build up a supportive relationship?

Do you want someone to meet with you weekly to listen, talk and be with you, inside or outside your home?

If the answer is ‘yes’ then ask us about our Befriending service. You may refer yourself, or you may be referred by a loved one or medical or social care professional. Click here to download our Befriending Referral Form.

What does a befriender do?

• Meet weekly to listen, talk and be with the befriended person. If you need someone to listen without judgement, our befriending volunteers are there for you.
• Accompany the befriended person on errand runs, hospital visits or trips out.
• Help the befriended person to discover and access local health and social services and other sources of help and advice.

Befrienders do not:

• Replace nurses, home helps or social workers. Befrienders are not in a professional role, and do not give injections or similar treatments.
• Evangelise with their own political, medical or spiritual opinions.
• Benefit financially from the befriending relationship. Our service is free of charge.

Our service is geared around what our volunteers can offer that will benefit you most. If you need something specific, our volunteer co-ordinators will discuss your options with you.