Volunteer Befriender

Volunteer Befriender

Supported by
:
Volunteer Befriending Lead and/or Volunteer Officer

Time commitment
:
Minimum of 2 hours per week. Flexible schedule.

Duration
:
Minimum commitment 12‑weeks

The Honeycomb Group includes four specialist brands – Staffs Housing, Glow, Concrete and Revival – that provide customer‑led support across our communities. Some customers face isolation and loneliness for a range of reasons such as disability, low self‑confidence and lack of family connections. Befriending makes a positive impact by providing support, companionship and helping people rediscover their passions and get connected with the community.

As a Volunteer Befriender you will provide regular, face‑to‑face companionship and social support to individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. By building a friendly and supportive relationship you will improve well‑being, boost confidence and encourage engagement with the community.

• Develop supportive and friendly relationships with customers.
• Spend regular time with an individual, engaging in conversations and/or activities based on mutual interests.
• Provide encouragement and emotional support to reduce feelings of isolation.
• Encourage participation in social community activities where appropriate.
• Keep in touch with the Volunteer Befriending Lead about progress, challenges or concerns.>
• Follow Honeycomb’s organisational policies, including safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection (training provided).

• Friendly, empathetic and patient.
• A good communicator, using active listening skills.
• Non‑judgmental and respectful of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Reliable, consistent and able to commit to regular visits.
• Understanding of challenges faced by isolated or vulnerable individuals.
• Minimum age 18.

• Induction and role‑specific training (e.g. safeguarding, confidentiality, guidance and boundaries for the befriending relationship).
• Ongoing support and supervision from the Volunteer Officer.
• Access to resources and development opportunities to enhance skills.

• Be part of a supportive and friendly organisation and team whose mission is to create happy homes.
• Give something back by reducing social isolation and improving lives.
• Meet new people, make new friends and gain new perspectives.
• Develop and improve communication, interpersonal and listening skills.
• Gain valuable volunteering experience for personal or professional development.
• Access to ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Payment of travel expenses.

If you are interested in this role, please register below. All befrienders will be required to complete a “getting to know you” form and will be invited for an informal chat with our volunteer team. If the role sounds like a good fit, we will complete reference and DBS checks (a DBS check is required and travel expenses will be reimbursed).

To register your interest please click the link on our volunteer page or contact us for more information.