Befriending is fun!
We’re extending our ‘Volunteer Stories’ into this week, even though Volunteers’ Week is over, because we came across so many lovely examples of what befriending is all about that we wanted to share them with you.
Today’s personal experience comes from Saire, who also helps at the Haven Lunch Club, which we help support as well.
She says: “I started working with Communicare four years ago during lockdown, as a volunteer telephone befriender to a lady called Carol. I then took on another lady for the same thing – Maureen. It was only after two years that I discovered they were actually sisters!
Social aspect
“I really enjoy the social aspect of Communicare – in that every now and then I meet up with Maureen and Carol, and Carol’s daughter Carrie too.
“We either go for lunch and a mooch around in Woolston, or in town to do a bit of shopping, and go to Starbucks for coffee afterwards. In Woolston, we do the charity shops and the wool shop, which is always great fun, especially when we find a bargain or two!
Help them get out
“Carol, Maureen and Carrie and I recently went to the Mayflower Theatre to see Tubular Bells, which was awesome. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and went out for dinner beforehand, which was nice. Both Carol and Maureen can sometimes feel a little isolated, so its trips like these that help them get out and experience new things.
Why volunteer?
“I would totally recommend volunteering with Communicare. They are a lovely no nonsense organisation to work for. There is a sense of achievement that comes from seeing people grow and develop and also a sense of feeling useful as a telephone befriender in that people feel listened to and can often offload more easily than they can with their other friends and/or family.
“It’s a privilege to have this role. If you are at a loose end, have time to spare and looking for something different, and slightly at times challenging, then a volunteer role might be just what you are looking for! Why not give it a go?”
How to become a befriender
If you ever have a spare hour, or so, each week, then we’d love to hear from you, as we always need more volunteer befrienders and the experience may also benefit you too.
We can be flexible and work around your other commitments. Please get in touch via 023 8250 0050 or volunteer@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.