Community Companions

Who are Community Companions?

Community Companions are trained volunteers, who offer one-to-one support to build up a friendship and encourage confidence to be able to then meet face-to-face out in their local community.

The aim is to support individuals experiencing loneliness, social isolation, anxiety and depression to access local community groups, activities and services. This support will help improve their mental health, by building new relationships and encouraging human interaction.

Want to become a Community Companion Volunteer? Find out more below.

Community Companion Volunteer

I feel privileged to be supported by a befriending volunteer

Who can access the service?

Anyone who is lonely or isolated and is aged 18+ living in the Bradford district or Craven.

Initially you will spend quality time over the phone or receive home visits, weekly, by one of our volunteer befrienders. After three to four weeks, this will develop into face-to-face meetings out in your local community.

Do you offer befrienders who speak other languages?

We currently offer support in English, Punjabi and Urdu. Other languages may be available, so please do ask prior to submitting a referral.

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

How can I ask for a Community Companion (Befriender)?

You can refer yourself by completing the referral form below. Referrals can be made by anyone, providing they have consent from the individual to pass on their details and are happy to receive a call from one of our friendly team.

Please ensure as much detail is complete as possible, otherwise this could delay the process.

We currently have a six-to-eight-week waiting list for new referrals. You may initially be offered a group session as an alternative, such as our Tea ‘n’ Talk group.