How to be an email befriender
The last of our ‘Volunteer Stories’ for Volunteers’ Week 2024 shows how easy it is to become befriender for us…you don’t even need to leave home to do it.
In fact, it’s easy to do wherever you are, if you have a phone or device that allows you to call or email someone.
Paige is an email befriender for us and sister Tamsin, is one of our ‘Hello Southampton’ telephone volunteers.
Here’s Paige’s story:
“I became a befriending volunteer for Communicare in 2020. My form of befriending is via email, which I suggested starting for clients who might not feel comfortable talking over the phone.
Building a relationship
“I wanted to join the befriending service because I hoped I could help the clients I speak to feel less isolated. My favourite thing about doing the email befriending for Communicare has been getting to know each client and building a relationship with them.
“I like knowing that I’ve given them a conversation where they may not otherwise have anyone else to talk to. I enjoy being able to recommend activities I think they might like to do to give them more variety in their everyday lives.
Helped with employment
“Volunteering has helped me apply for permanent employment by giving me work experience examples to discuss in interviews.
“Communicare are super supportive to their volunteers, so I know I can always reach out for help should I need it.
Big positive impact
“I like volunteering here so much that I recommended a telephone voluntary role to my sister, who started volunteering whilst still at college and continues to now. It has built up confidence a lot and helped with feeling less anxious when talking to new people. So overall Communicare has had a big positive impact on both of us, meaning we hope to carry on volunteering in the future.”
Like to be 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.
Image for illustration purposes only.