Befriender Volunteer - (Merton)

What You'll Do: 
  • Carry out regular check-ins—via phone, online, or in person—to help service users feel supported after leaving the service. Provide friendly visits where appropriate, offering a listening ear and encouragement during the transition to independent living
  • Support individuals to build links within their local community, such as identifying clubs, social groups, local activities, or places of interest based on their personal goals.
  • Encourage service users to take part in community events and build social connections that promote long-term wellbeing.
  • Accompany service users to view potential properties where needed. Provide assistance exploring practical items or resources they may need after moving on, such as furniture options, budgeting tools, or local amenities.
  • support service users to attend GP or other health appointments, helping reduce anxiety and build confidence in navigating services.
  • Help individuals develop social skills, communication skills, and confidence through positive interactions and gentle encouragement. Providing motivation and reassurance as they work towards independent living goals.
  • Support service users to access and participate in our online activities, helping them build digital confidence and stay connected. Assist with basic digital navigation, where needed (e.g., joining online groups, using communication platforms, accessing resources).
Why You'll Love It: 

You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.

We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

What You'll Learn: 
  • You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
What We're Looking For: 
  • Warm, friendly, and approachable
  • Good listening and communication skills
  • Patient, empathetic, and calm under pressure
  • Non judgemental attitude with respect for mental-health related challenges
  • Reliable and able to maintain confidentiality
  • Comfortable supporting small groups

 

Summary
Volunteering
Volunteer
Mental Health
Merton
0 Weeks Minimum
0 Hours / Week
Skills you will develop: 
Active listening
Communicating
Forward thinking and looking ahead
Relevant interests: 
Charity / Nonprofit
Requirements: 
DBS check
Over 18 years old
Training

Similar Opportunities

 
Team Support Volunteer (One Big Walk Volunteer Caller - London)
Mencap
Min. 18 Weeks Minimum weeks
Team Support Volunteer (One Big Walk Volunteer Caller - London)
Volunteering
Assistant
Social Care

Do you want to make a difference to the lives of someone with a learning disability and gain experience of working within a charity? We need you to help call our fantastic One Big Walk supporters in 2026 - Join us as a volunteer today!

 
Vlogger Volunteer
Epilepsy Action
Min. 0 Weeks Minimum weeks
Vlogger Volunteer
Volunteering
Other
Disability, Health

At Epilepsy Action, we believe in the power of storytelling to create a supportive community for those affected by epilepsy. We are looking for an inspiring volunteers to share their unique experiences of living with epilepsy.

 
Lived Experience Volunteer
Epilepsy Action
Min. 0 Weeks Minimum weeks
Lived Experience Volunteer
Volunteering
Advocate
Disability, Health

We put people affected by epilepsy at the heart of everything we do, and we value their input in all of our activities. This is why our Lived Experience volunteers are so important - these are our true epilepsy experts.