A befriending scheme is calling for more volunteers to support vulnerable adults.
The borough-wide programme, offered by Volunteer Centre Hackney, helps residents with weekly one-on-one visits.
Community Befrienders is one of many services across the UK celebrating ‘befriending week’ between 1- 7 November.
It is to reduce isolation and loneliness among vulnerable adults of all ages. Currently, the project has volunteers ranging from 23 to 104 years old.
Their role includes taking people to appointments, and “chatting, watching telly, or having a cup of tea,” according to Rudi Edwards, a community befriender volunteer.
In 2022, Community Befrienders provided over 6,500 hours of free one-to-one support for vulnerable isolated residents in Hackney.
Bridget Akinbolaji, programme manager, describes befriending as a simple yet priceless way to help and support the community: “Results are almost immediate, even after a few conversations, an individual’s whole persona can uplift and change.”
The service is tailored to the individual by matching people through personal interests and hobbies.
One participant said: “I love talking to my befriender as we always laugh – it’s what I look forward to!”
The programme can benefit everyone involved. Volunteer Ms Edwards went on to say, “I’ve gained a really great friend, someone that I now feel really close to and care about deeply. As humans, we just want to feel heard and supported.”
However, volunteers are limited and, with Community Befrienders receiving 2-3 referrals a week from NHS services, they are calling out for new volunteers.
Georgina (left) with her befriender Fleur (right)
