Befriending with Beth, Jack, Derek and Moishe

For Volunteers’ Week 2024, we asked some of our befrienders to share their ‘Volunteer Stories’ to give you an insight into what it’s like being a ‘volunteer friend’ to someone.

Beth, Jack and their Yorkshire terrier Moishe, have befriended our service user Derek.

Midweek staple

Here’s their story told by Jack:

“Me and Beth have been visiting Derek for a few months now and it has become a midweek staple to our routine.

“It has the comfort of feeling like we are visiting a friend, which in fact we are.

Sharing stories

“We chat about lots of different things from what we’ve been up to in the week and how Derek’s allotment is coming along to putting the world to rights and sharing stories of times gone by and our families.

We’d recommend befriending

“Our Yorkshire terrier loves coming with us to see Derek and is always wagging with excitement to have a rough and tumble in his lounge.

“We’d recommend befriending to anyone who thinks they may enjoy it, as you will!”

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.