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How Does Befriending with Time to Talk Work?
Have you ever considered donating your time as a Volunteer Befriender? Here’s a step-by-step look at how we bring people together:
1. Referral received: We receive a referral either from an organisation, a family, or directly from someone looking for a befriender.
2. Getting to know you: Our Time to Talk manager will first meet with that person. We do this to explain what we can and cannot offer, and to get as much information as we can about the person, their needs, interests, life experiences and what they hope to gain from the befriending relationship. We also undertake a risk assessment which will eventually be shared with the volunteer.
3. The Match: We then look at finding a volunteer that has similar interests to the client. We try to get the best possible match in place and have very few relationship breakdowns as a result. All our volunteers have been police checked and have received training beforehand.
4. Introductory meeting: If the client and volunteer befriender are both happy with a proposed match, we arrange an introductory meeting with a Time to Talk manager, the volunteer, the client and their family member if required. We discuss what both parties would like to do when they meet (a home visit, a trip to the garden centre etc.). We all sign an agreement with boundaries, expectations and any risks addressed.
5. First visit: The volunteer visits the client for the first time. Following this, our managers call to see how the visit went and continue to do so on a regular basis.
6. Continued support: All the way through this process we support people individually and try to get the best possible match in place. We have very few relationship breakdowns as we take a lot of care considering who is best matched with who.
Ready to help tackle loneliness in Runnymede and Surrey Heath? Join us as a Volunteer Befriender and make a difference today!
Anyone over the age of 18 can volunteer as a befriender. All you need is an ability to listen, to be friendly, and reliable. You will get full support to make your volunteer experience as enjoyable as possible.
Want to find out more about befriending for Time to Talk and get in touch? Head over to our Time to Talk page
here.
