Might You Befriend Someone?

Change lives and become a volunteer befriended!

Did you know that around 1 million older and vulnerable people in the UK regularly go an entire month without speaking to anyone?

Not everyone has a family or friend support network that they can rely on for guidance and advice to help them through difficult times. Volunteers can help fill this gap by offering their free time and providing support to many vulnerable people.

In recognition of this, Community Impact Bucks' Volunteer Hub is running a major campaign in September to recruit volunteer befrienders for organisations in Buckinghamshire, a service that is desperately required for many people in need. Results of a local survey illustrates that over 200 befrienders are needed in Bucks to enable charities to cater for the unmet demand.

Helen Cavill, Volunteer Hub Co-ordinator, said: "Volunteering is a highly rewarding activity with far reaching benefits for the volunteer. For the unemployed, taking on a volunteer role is a perfect way of boosting a CV. For an isolated person, receiving a volunteer befriender can be their salvation. This vital service provides a link to the outside world and often acts as a gateway for other services and valuable support."

Leaflets giving more information about volunteer roles can also be found at libraries throughout the county, or in the foyer of Bucks County Council's main office in Walton Street, Aylesbury. By giving a few hours during school hours, after work, or in spare time, someone's life can be transformed.

If you would like more information about volunteering in your area or matched to a role to suit your interests, call the Volunteer Hub on 0300 1111 250
or email info@communityimpactbucks.org.uk