Befriending

[[{"fid":"215239","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":"right","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false,"external_url":""},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","alignment":"right","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false,"external_url":""}},"attributes":{"style":"height: 262px; width: 350px; margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px;","class":"media-element file-default media-wysiwyg-align-right","data-delta":"1"}}]]Launched during lockdown to help relieve isolation, our volunteer befrienders visit people near their homes to go for a walk, a bike ride, a coffee, do some shopping or just have a chat.

Befrienders are carefully matched to those with similar interests, offering support and friendship.

How does befriending help?

• It encourages communication, helping people improve their social skills and feel more self-confident
• It motivates people to get more exercise by getting out in the fresh air
• People feel less lonely, they make friends and have someone trusted to talk to
• People are supported to explore their local communities

The service is available to anyone who attends Share. Activities are chosen by student members and meetings are typically once a week for 1-2 hours.

All volunteers are DBS and reference checked.

Interested in volunteering as a befriender? Please get in touch.

For more on this exciting new project contact info@sharecommunity.org.uk or call 020 7924 2949.