Volunteer Befriender (Rhondda Cynon Taf & Merthyr Tydfil)

Could you spare the time to visit and befriend a lonely, isolated elderly person once per week for a chat and a cuppa?

Could you spare the time to visit and befriend a lonely, isolated elderly person once per week for a chat and a cuppa? These visits are invaluable to someone lonely and isolated as this may be the only time they chat with anyone all week so you will be making a huge difference.

No previous volunteering experience is required and we will provide full training and regular support. We can also reimburse travel expenses.

We want our volunteers to reflect the breadth and diversity of the communities we work with. We live our values in everything we do and honour the commitments we’ve made to our volunteers to keep our culture of openness, positivity, flexibility, support and inclusivity at the forefront of everything we do.

Find out more and register apply below. 

Apply now 

Hands of someone knitting with thread and two knitting sticks

The main role of a befriender is to commit to regular weekly visits to one beneficiary for a chat and a cuppa.

What you need to do this role:

  • Good listening and communication skills
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Understanding of confidentiality
  • Reliability

As a volunteer, you will receive:

  • Training
  • Support from a dedicated Engagement Manager
  • DBS check
  • Travel reimbursement

The Welcome Friends project is for people aged 50 and over, and runs across Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil. Through 1-1 befriending, encouraging people to take up activities or join groups, setting up new social groups, crafting groups of various kinds and volunteering.

Find out more

Back to top of the page