- Offer regular one-to-one befriending - meeting for a walk, coffee, or a planned activity to reduce isolation and build confidence.
- Provide light, goal focused mentoring - agree simple goals (e.g., joining a group, practicing a routine, building life skills) and check progress together.
- Encourage safe community participation - libraries, local groups, leisure activities, volunteering, or learning opportunities.
- Share clear information and signpost to staff or local services where appropriate
- Accompany to non clinical community appointments, help read/understand letters, complete wellbeing “welfare check ins,” and promote general engagement in the community.
- Keep brief session notes or a simple check in with your supervisor and escalate any concerns immediately in line with safeguarding guidance.
- 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, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering
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!
The skills you need
- Warm, patient and non judgemental approach; able to build rapport with adult men from diverse backgrounds.
- Good listening, clear communication and reliability
- Respect for confidentiality and professional boundaries; comfortable following guidance and asking for support.
Similar Opportunities
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.
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.
Bright Futures UK are looking for warm and energetic volunteer befrienders to provide support and a fun, safe space for young people with serious illness.
