//universal analytics Befriend an older person | HOPE Coventry

Befriend an older person

Would you like a new friend? Would you like to hear interesting stories? Would you like to give back to society? Befriend a housebound older person at their home near you in Coventry – any day of the week, from 30 min/fortnight. You’ll be carefully matched by Good Neighbours Coventry with shared interests & supported in this flexible volunteering.

It is not too demanding on my time, but very beneficial for those I befriend. I enjoy being part of a supportive community. – befriender volunteer, August 2024

Commitment required: 30-60 minutes, weekly or fortnightly, between 10am & 7pm, for a minimum of 6 months. Days & times can be flexible or regular, as suits you.
Age limit: volunteer befrienders must be 18+ (but parents can bring supervised children with them)

What will I be doing?
• Visiting a lonely older person in their Coventry home to chat with them
• You are matched by location & shared interests – you can do an activity together (e.g. knitting, chess, baking, watching a sport) or go for a short walk
• If the older person has any problems or extra needs, you will ask the Good Neighbours team to help the older person.

What skills do I need?
• Ability to listen & ask questions
• Ability to chat about different topics
• Good personal boundaries (the befriending is primarily for chatting & fun activities, not to do chores or give lots of support)
• Reliability
• Understanding of safeguarding & willingness to attend 1hr training for keeping older people safe

“We sing from the same hymn sheet. [My befriender] and I are going for a walk next week and I’m really looking forward to it. She’s been a godsend, I really look forward to her coming for extra company. I don’t really see anyone these days, so it’s nice to have someone to talk to. Thank you so much for introducing us, it’s been a real pleasure!” – Janice, 82, who is too anxious to go out alone, July 2024

What will I gain?
• A new friend & a nice time chatting with someone new
• Regular support from your Good Neighbours Coventry Coordinator
• Out-of-hours support if you have a befriending emergency
• Skills for your CV & a free DBS check (police check)
• A reference from HOPE Coventry
• Good feelings – you’ve helped an older person to become less lonely
• Travel expenses
• Access to volunteer meetups & extra optional training

What’s next?
Come to an information session to find out if this is for you – these happen twice weekly across Coventry and via Zoom. Choose a session for yourself via tinyurl.com/GNinfosession today.

For further questions, contact [email protected] or 07563 902 904.

Looking for different volunteering? We also run groups for older people to come together. If you’re interested in volunteering regularly at a group, get in touch.

I have something to look forward to every week. I am giving back to the community which gives me a sense of purpose & happiness. I meet interesting people (who I would never have met otherwise) and learn to make light conversation. – befriender volunteer, August 2024