Connect Befriending
Connect Befriending is a service aimed at helping older people stay connected to their community and confident in their own homes. We recruit and train volunteer befrienders who provide weekly in-person companionship and support.
Currently due to high demand we will be only taking client referrals through the Red Cross.
Become a Volunteer Befriender
A little connection by a volunteer can massively enhance the quality of life of older people, helping them to not only feel less isolated but also independent as well.
Volunteers will be matched for six months with an older person, visiting them at their home for approximately 2 hours a week. Matches will be with people over 55 through referrals from the Red Cross. Befrienders will provide a warm, safe, and meaningful social engagement with older people in the community to reduce isolation and support their independence. As part of the befriending, volunteers may also accompany their older person match on outings, such as visits to local shops, cafes, or cultural events.
Volunteers will be supported in their role as Befriending and Community Connectors by the Connect Befriending Coordinator, who will provide ongoing training and one-on-one support.
We are looking for volunteers who are:
- Caring, friendly, and open-minded
- Good Listeners
- Sociable and good communicators
- Committed and reliable
- Patient and Understanding
- Looking to help
Due to the nature of this role, 2 references from people (not family) who have known the potential volunteer for 3 years and PVG Membership (there is no cost to the volunteer) are required.
Benefits we provide to our volunteers may be:
- Making a difference to someone’s life
- Improving confidence and self-esteem
- Learn and develop employable skills, such as communication, empathy, and situational awareness
- Access trainings on topics such as interpersonal skills, older people support, and benefit signposting
- Show commitment to personal development and helping your wider community.
- Increase job prospects and help progress onto further education
- Gain a reference
- Meet new and interesting people in Midlothian
- Have fun!
Does it make a difference?
The clients we work with benefit immensely from the input of volunteers and report feeling better, happier and more socially connected because of the befriending relationship. Volunteers also give very positive feedback about the role and frequently remain involved with the project well beyond the initial befriending match.
Apply now!
Apply on our website here, or by contacting us via email: sam.dyce@MCA.scot or phone: 0759 382 9911 (9am-5pm Monday to Thursday).