Befriending
Our Befriending Scheme offers support and companionship to community members who are experiencing feelings of loneliness or social isolation.
We aim to foster a positive, mutually beneficial relationship, where volunteers provide their time to improve the well-being and outlook of those they befriend.
Is Befriending Right for You?
Our Befriending Scheme can be in-person or via telephone.
Upon receiving a request for this service, the Pershore Plus team will contact the individual to understand their needs and to provide details about the scheme, the volunteer's role, and any other relevant information.
The scheme aims to improve well-being by alleviating loneliness and isolation, and considers factors including age, location, health status and existing support levels.
During the initial call, the team discusses:
Please note that a Befriending Service may not be suitable for everyone.
- How the scheme works
- The volunteer's role and responsibilities
- Confidentiality and boundaries
- The procedure for reporting any issues and appointment cancellations
- All support available
- The matching process
- The next steps...
Download our Befriending leaflet today to find out more about becoming a Volunteer Befriender, or to learn more about how this service can help you or someone you know to feel less isolated and lonely.
The Matching Process:
The 'matching process' is designed to ensure compatibility between the volunteer and the client, based on needs, interests and preferences.
Matches are made based on the initial assessment call, and may take time. Each client is kept well informed. We will always try to accommodate specific requests where possible, though this may cause delays, and we would always encourage our clients to try alternative pairings to reduce wait times.
Each match is reviewed initially after one to two weeks, and then again at 6 to12 weeks.
Befriending partnerships are expected to last up to six months, though this is flexible.
Factors Considered in Matching:
- Each clients needs
- The aim of the scheme
- Protected characteristics
- Volunteer skills and experience
- Personalities and common interests
- The opinions of carers and relatives
- Volunteer availability
For anyone who is interested in joining the Befriending Scheme or volunteering, Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre welcomes you to reach out and become part of this impactful initiative! Use the form below to get in touch.
Get In Touch
As a community organisation we are delighted to help you to access our services.
Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre, 1 Billing House, Pershore, WR10 1EY