Gift of Friendship

Befriending Volunteer  

Would you like to offer companionship to someone who feels lonely, help them rebuild confidence, reconnect with their community, or simply brighten their week with a friendly chat?

What do Befriending volunteers do? 

Our volunteers support older people (50+) who may be feeling lonely, isolated, or cut off from their usual activities. Volunteers help clients rebuild confidence, reconnect socially, and enjoy meaningful conversation. 

Support can take different forms depending on the client’s needs: 

Short-term face to face support (up to 6 months) 

• Visiting someone regularly to help them work towards personal goals 
• Encouraging confidence to get out and about again 
• Supporting them to re-engage with interests, community groups, or social activities 

Long-term Befriending (for those most isolated) 

• Providing stable, ongoing social support 
• Regular face-to-face or telephone companionship 
• Building a consistent and trusting relationship 

National Telephone Befriending 

• Offering friendly conversation over the phone 
• Providing regular social contact for people unable to meet in person 

This is a rewarding and varied volunteer role where every person you meet will be different and you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful difference to their wellbeing. 

What you will get out of it 

• A chance to support older people and make a real positive impact 
• A meaningful role where relationships grow and confidence returns 
• Opportunities to meet new people and experience new things 
• Being part of Age UK Buckinghamshire’s volunteer team 
• Full training, ongoing support, and guidance from your Outreach Support Worker 

Our volunteers tell us they find befriending incredibly fulfilling and often get as much from the relationship as the client does 

What is expected of me? 

• We will talk you through each potential match before you decide to take it on 
• Most volunteers commit around 1–2 hours a week 
• Short-term matches typically last up to 6 months; long-term befriending is ongoing 
• Time may be spent visiting someone at home, accompanying them to a local activity, or chatting with them by phone 
• Volunteers complete a short online training program and provide references 
• A DBS check will be required (provided at no cost) 

Who can volunteer? 

If you are warm, friendly, patient, and enjoy chatting with people, this could be the role for you. You do not need any formal qualifications — just a desire to support someone who is feeling vulnerable or alone. 

Find out more  

To find out more about volunteering with Age UK Buckinghamshire, please click the "I'm interested" button and we will be in touch in the next 3 working days.