- 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
Would you like to support an asylum-seeking or refugee young person with their education? Refugee Education UK is looking for volunteers to act as educational mentors for at-risk young refugees, asylum seekers, and survivors of trafficking.
Could you spare one hour a week to help a City resident in need of a new friend? By becoming a Community Befriender, you could help boost someone's confidence, and their physical and mental health. Register your interest here: https://tinyurl.com/ycw
Do you enjoy playing games and engaging with people? Are you interested in boosting people’s socialising abilities and cater a safe and cheerful experience? If so, we are recruiting for a volunteer to facilitate weekly games and chat sessions.
