Become a Befriending Volunteer

In 2021 our 80 volunteer befrienders delivered over 750 hours of calls and community visits 

What is the Community Companion project?

Community Companions (Befriending Service) is a project to tackle loneliness, isolation and depression in adults, running in the Bradford district and Craven.

Hear from Donna our Volunteer Coordinator below, and meet the rest of the team here.

Are you able to give the gift of time?

This would be spending one hour per week befriending an individual over the phone or in their home initially, then meeting face-to-face in the local community. This could be outdoors for a walk or attending a local group to help their loneliness and reduce their social isolation.

Loneliness can make life feel empty and hollow, it is a normal human emotion, however when left unchecked, long term loneliness can develop into a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. Individuals who are lonely, don’t want to feel like a burden, so getting them involved in groups and activities helps them feel valued and gives a sense of belonging to something.

Our volunteers will receive training and then make regular phone calls and visits to an individual aged 18+ who is lonely. You will be offering one-to-one support, building their confidence and encouraging them to access local community activities and make new friendships.

Mind in Bradford is running the project in partnership with the Bradford Districts CCG.

What do our volunteers say?

I get along with my friend like I’ve known them forever.

Thank you to Mind for the befriending service, I personally feel as well as helping those I support I also get the same support from those I befriend. 

I wanted to help people like myself who were struggling and let them know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

They look forward to you ringing and having a chat.

I’m interested in volunteering, what should I do next?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions:

Frequently Asked Questions

Also have a look at our Volunteer Role Profile to see what would be expected of you:

Community Companion Role Profile

If you’re happy with everything then fill out the Application Form below which should take around 15-minutes.