Befriending & Volunteering
Social isolation is a problem for many older people in east Manchester. In response to this we set up the Befriending Service. Befriending is a one-to-one relationship between a volunteer and someone who would like a little support.
This could be because they are feeling lonely, isolated or vulnerable, have recently suffered a bereavement, have mobility issues and/ or problems leaving the house or simply would like to meet new people.
The befriender (volunteer) and befriendee (service user) meet regularly for an agreed period of time.
This time could be spent chatting, or going for a walk to the shops or the park. It could be spent at the befriendee’s home, just talking or watching a video together for example.
Befriendees must be aged 55 or over, live in east Manchester and feel they would benefit from spending time with a volunteer befriender. Befrienders must be at least 18 years old and do not need to live in any specific area.
Volunteering brings so many benefits:
- Doing something positive for the community
- Making a difference to someone’s life
- Meeting new people
- Trying something new
- Getting training and new skills
- Increased confidence
- Getting out and about
- Supporting people through hard times
- Feeling useful
- Filling spare time
We provide training, support and out-of-pocket expenses for our volunteers. We’re always happy to hear from people who are interested in volunteering. If you are interested in finding out more about our befriending service, either as a service user or as a volunteer, please contact Annette McKay at the Generation Project on 0161 202 2522.
