Role of a Befriender
As a befriender, you are offering something incredibly valuable — your time, your presence, and your genuine interest in another person's life.
What Befrienders Do
Your role is to provide regular, reliable companionship to someone who may be lonely or isolated. This might include:
- Regular visits to someone's home for a cup of tea and a chat
- Telephone or video calls for those who prefer remote contact
- Accompanying someone on a short walk or to a local café
- Attending community meet-ups together at our Neath hub
- Simply listening — sometimes that's the most powerful thing you can do
- Helping someone feel connected to their community again
What Befrienders Do NOT Do
It is important to understand the limits of your role. Befrienders are not carers, counsellors, or social workers. You should never provide:
- Personal care (washing, dressing, toileting, medication)
- Medical or health advice of any kind
- Financial help, lending money, or managing someone's finances
- Legal advice or advocacy
- Counselling or therapy — if someone needs this, refer them to our services at www.bookcounselling.com
- Household tasks beyond what you'd do for a friend (e.g. heavy cleaning, DIY)
Important Boundary
If you are ever asked to do something outside your role, politely explain that you're there as a friend and companion, and contact your volunteer coordinator Emma-Jane Lovell for guidance.
What Makes a Great Befriender?
- Being reliable — turning up when you say you will
- Being a good listener — you don't need to have all the answers
- Being patient — building trust takes time
- Being respectful — of someone's home, choices, and boundaries
- Being yourself — authenticity matters more than perfection