Community Companion volunteer
Can you spare one hour a week to help someone get out into the community?
Community Companions is a volunteer-led befriending service for adults, running in the Bradford district (Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven).
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.
As part of your role as a befriending volunteer you will build a friendship with your befriender and help build their confidence to get out into the community.
How long do I have to commit?
We ask for one-hour per week commitment and for a minimum of 3-months.
What do Befriending Volunteers say about their experience?
“I wanted to volunteer as a befriender as I know the value of having someone to talk to. This can make such a difference to someone who could be feeling isolated because of their mental health. It’s important to break the stigma of mental health and people feeling they need to hide away, as talking to someone or just knowing someone is there can help so much.”
Rebecca, Befriending Volunteer
“I have been volunteering for seven months now. I wanted to be a part of the team for this important charity that focuses on mental health and wellbeing, and, for a psychology graduate like myself, it’s been a valuable experience.”
Oliver, Befriending Volunteer
David is a Befriending Volunteer at Mind in Bradford, watch the video below to listen to David’s story or read about other befriending volunteer experiences here.
What will I be doing?
As part of your volunteer role you would spend one hour per week meeting someone face-to-face in the local community. This could be outdoors for a walk or attending a local group in the community.
All Befriending Volunteer’s receive full training and support.
Please read the role profile and Frequently Asked Questions before you apply to volunteer:
Community Companion Role Profile
How do I apply?
- The Application Form below which should take around 15-minutes to complete, you will need two references.
- Once we receive your application our Community Companion’s team will be in touch. Please be aware it can take up to 6-weeks to match you with a client.
- If you have any questions before applying please get in touch with us by email: [email protected]
Befriending Volunteer application form
Please select on the drop down menu Befriending Volunteer.
