Training & Support

All volunteers complete a comprehensive induction before beginning befriending visits. This covers:

• Safeguarding awareness — recognising and reporting concerns
• Mental health awareness — understanding common challenges faced by older people
• Lone working and personal safety
• Communication and active listening skills
• Suicide awareness
• Confidentiality and data protection (GDPR)
• Boundaries and professional conduct
• The befriender role — expectations and practical guidance

All volunteers will undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before being matched with a service user. This is a standard safeguarding requirement and is funded by the project. Your coordinator will guide you through the process.

Your wellbeing matters to us. We provide ongoing support including:

• Regular one-to-one supervision with your coordinator
• Monthly peer support sessions with other volunteers
• Debriefs after challenging visits or situations
• Access to additional training opportunities as they arise
• An open-door policy — you can contact your coordinator at any time

As the project grows, there will be opportunities for experienced volunteers to take on additional responsibilities, such as becoming peer mentors to support new volunteers joining the team.