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Befriending Has Mutual Benefits!

Saturday, 8 October 2022 07:00

By Emily Kenward

With World Mental Health Day on the 10th October, Emily Kenward writes about the benefits of being a volunteer befriender for wellbeing

"I’m no longer invisible," said a Time to Talk Befriending, Scheme Member...
"I can’t believe how better I feel," said a Time to Talk Befriending, Volunteer.

It is hard to imagine what silence is like when most of us are busy getting on with our lives. But a lack of meaningful connections can make life very lonely. Just imagine not speaking to anyone for days, weeks, or sometimes months at a time – a reality for many our scheme members at Time to Talk Befriending.

Since the pandemic referrals into our service have increased but volunteer applications can’t keep up! We are extremely grateful to our existing team of volunteers who are generous with their time and kindness towards our scheme members, but, we are always looking for more people to join our community.

All it takes is an hour once a fortnight to make a difference in the life of an older person. And, because we know life can be busy, befriending can be a mix of calls and in person visits at a time to suit you, so it is convenient as well as rewarding.

Just knowing that someone cares and is going to call, or visit, helps to overcome loneliness. But time and again we hear about the mutual benefit to our volunteers as well... ‘My mental health has improved’ and ‘I enjoy it’, ‘it’s the highlight of my week’.

Befriending enables you to:

  • Connect with a likeminded older person with similar interests
  • Be active if you like to get out and about, we can match you with someone who is able to join you
  • Take notice of someone who might otherwise feel invisible and forgotten
  • Learn from the wisdom of older age and
  • Give your time which is invaluable and means more to people like Arthur who would ‘rather go without food than his (befriender) visit’.

There are five ways to wellbeing: connect, be active, take notice, learn and give.

For just a small amount of your time, you can make a BIG difference! But don’t just take our word for it, if you are online, please check out the videos section of our website to hear from our scheme members and volunteers themselves.

See the videos: www.tttb.org.uk/videos 

Join the team and help older members to feel ‘in the world again!’

Website: www.tttb.org.uk/volunteer

Email: info@tttb.org.uk

Telephone: 01273 737710

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