Help beat loneliness – become a befriender

Volunteer Centre Hackney are seeking friendly and approachable people to befriend local residents who are isolated and need companionship, or a little encouragement and support to get out and about. Does this sound like you?

‘Volunteering as a befriender has been such a positive experience. I have learned a lot from listening to interesting stories about London and life during the war. We enjoy each other’s company; we laugh and joke and have conversations about the different struggles we experience with our 62 year age difference. She has become my friend and my second grandmother and it means a lot to both of us that we can be there for each other.’
Tine, Hackney Helper

If Tine’s experience has inspired you, why not come along to this FREE training session on Thursday 20 June, tailored to help you learn more about how to tackle the issues faced by many people around Hackney. Issues include: social isolation and loneliness, physical or mental health difficulties, limited English language skills, being new to the area and/or physical or learning disabilities. All Hackney Helper volunteers receive full training, including befriending, mental health awareness and safeguarding.

Whether you can give an hour a week or a few hours a month, becoming a Hackney Helper is a great way to help a local person overcome barriers to getting involved in their local community, as well as gaining new skills and experiences.

When:  Thursday 20 June, 10am – 4.30pm, with free lunch + refreshments included + travel expenses paid
Where:   Volunteer Centre Hackney, Unit 12 – 13 Springfield House, 5 Tyssen Street, E8 2LY

To register your interest, call Farzana or Chris on 020 7241 4443 or email stepupadmin@vchackney.org