Volunteer befriender
Our befriending service offers vital support to vulnerable or lonely adults in central and west London. Every person we support is carefully matched with a volunteer befriender who makes contact every week.
Face to Face Befriending
After the pandemic we have seen a sharp rise in individuals wanting face to face companionship. In the current climate human connection has never been so important. Volunteer befrienders offer their company, either by telephone or in person. If visiting in person, volunteers meet their befriendee in their own home or provide the support they may need to venture out. In 2020/21 Octavia volunteers provided support to 311 local people, promoting independence and reducing isolation.
The programme runs in Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea for isolated individuals aged 50 or above.
Could you be our next volunteer?
The role of a befriender can vary depending on the person you are matched with and the support they need. A visit with your befriender could include having a chat over a cup of tea, taking a walk or going shopping.
We provide every befriender with training which:
- explains the role and what you should expect;
- explores what makes a good befriender; and
- covers safeguarding procedures and working with vulnerable adults.
To find out more you can view the role description and case studies of current matches to the right of the page.
You can also contact a volunteer coordinator via phone or email
E: volunteering@octavia.org.uk
You can apply to be an Octavia volunteer online here.
Remote Befriender
We are providing one-to-one phone befriending services to help combat loneliness and bring comfort to many who are feeling alone.
If you can help us by volunteering with us, please get in touch. We may not be able to get back to you straight away, but the current situation is likely to continue for some time and we will follow this up with you as soon as we can. You can apply to be an Octavia volunteer online here.
