Volunteer Hub
Telephone Befriending
Organisation Details
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Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: A befriending charity offering telephone and pen pal services to older adults aged 50+
Description of role: Telephone befriending is a simple yet powerful way to support people who may be feeling lonely, isolated, or disconnected. It involves a trained volunteer making regular phone calls to an individual who would benefit from a friendly chat and a listening ear.
These conversations are not counselling or therapy – they are based on companionship, kindness, and consistency. Over time, a genuine and trusting connection can grow, helping the person feel more valued, heard, and less alone.
Telephone befriending can be especially helpful for older adults, people living alone, or those who may find it difficult to get out and about. For many, a weekly call from a befriender becomes a highlight of their week – a chance to laugh, share stories, talk through worries, or simply enjoy a friendly voice on the other end of the line.
It’s a small commitment that makes a big difference.
Interested in Becoming a Telephone Befriender?
We welcome new volunteers who are kind, reliable, and good listeners. Full training and support are provided, and you’ll be matched with someone based on shared interests and availability.
Application process:
Complete a short application form – this helps us get to know you and understand your motivation for volunteering.
Provide two references – we will contact your referees as part of our safeguarding process.
Basic DBS check – all telephone befrienders are required to hold a valid basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. We can guide you through this if needed.
Safeguarding training – you’ll be asked to complete a short online Adult Safeguarding Level 1 training. This is a 30-minute multiple-choice course to ensure you understand key principles of keeping people safe.
Matching process – once checks are complete, we’ll work with you to match you with a befriendee. We consider personality, shared interests, and availability to help build strong and lasting connections.
These conversations are not counselling or therapy – they are based on companionship, kindness, and consistency. Over time, a genuine and trusting connection can grow, helping the person feel more valued, heard, and less alone.
Telephone befriending can be especially helpful for older adults, people living alone, or those who may find it difficult to get out and about. For many, a weekly call from a befriender becomes a highlight of their week – a chance to laugh, share stories, talk through worries, or simply enjoy a friendly voice on the other end of the line.
It’s a small commitment that makes a big difference.
Interested in Becoming a Telephone Befriender?
We welcome new volunteers who are kind, reliable, and good listeners. Full training and support are provided, and you’ll be matched with someone based on shared interests and availability.
Application process:
Complete a short application form – this helps us get to know you and understand your motivation for volunteering.
Provide two references – we will contact your referees as part of our safeguarding process.
Basic DBS check – all telephone befrienders are required to hold a valid basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. We can guide you through this if needed.
Safeguarding training – you’ll be asked to complete a short online Adult Safeguarding Level 1 training. This is a 30-minute multiple-choice course to ensure you understand key principles of keeping people safe.
Matching process – once checks are complete, we’ll work with you to match you with a befriendee. We consider personality, shared interests, and availability to help build strong and lasting connections.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Oral Communication Skills
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday AM, Monday PM, Monday Evening, Tuesday AM, Tuesday PM, Tuesday Evening, Wednesday AM, Wednesday PM, Wednesday Evening, Thursday AM, Thursday PM, Thursday Evening, Friday AM, Friday PM, Friday Evening, Saturday AM, Saturday PM, Saturday Evening, Sunday AM, Sunday PM, Sunday Evening
DBS required: On
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 1 hour
Location: