Befriending is a relationship that is arranged by an organisation. The relationship will have boundaries and will start with both parties being ‘matched’ as we call it, and then managed by the organisation.
Both the volunteer and the person wanting a befriender will receive support.
There are many different types of befriending offered by all kinds of organisations. VASL for example offers telephone befriending, face to face visitors, pen pals and digital support, to name a few. We offer befriending because there is evidence to show that it can successfully tackle loneliness and social isolation.
Other types of befriending might include supporting young people in the care system or help to those suffering with mental ill health.
We like to network with other organisation to ensure we are learning all the time and sharing good practice across the voluntary sector, one way we do this is through the Leicester Befriending Network.
Leicester Befriending Network was set up some years ago, by a previous manager at VASL with the aim of providing peer support to staff and networking with other organisations that offer befriending services.
Originally the group met face to face but since the pandemic we now meet online using Zoom, enabling us to see each other via a group video call. The meetings are very informal and discussions usually cover any updates people have from their projects and organisations, and topical subjects such as Volunteer Week.
Members can share any challenges they have faced, successes they have had and anything that is working well in their organisation. This helps us all to keep learning and up to date with a wide variety of issues.
VASL staff co-ordinate this network and find new members by checking the Befriending Network and VAL website for anyone advertising for befriending volunteers or by word of mouth. Staff take notes during the meeting so we can follow up on any action points or if we’re not sure of something, research the topic to feedback to the group. Recently funding was a big conversation point and an action point for all members was to feedback about any funding or grants they could find that are useful for everyone to know about.
There are currently around 10 members from local and national charities of all sizes that attend the meetings.
“These meetings are so useful – not only can I put a face to a name of someone I’ve been speaking to on the phone, but everyone is so knowledgeable about a range of subjects, it’s really helpful,” commented one member.
Members include LOROS who provide befriending to people struggling with serious illness, NSPCC who support young people and Age UK who offer a telephone befriending service to older people.
Sam Gisborne
Befriending Officer Community Champions
(Sam has recently left VASL and we send our very best wishes to her in her new role)
