What a difference a friend makes...

Are you a person who makes friends easily? Are you patient, kind and helpful? Would you like to make a real difference to the life of a someone who suffers from a terminal illness and is often feeling isolated and lonely?  Then you could offer your time as a valued Befriender at St John's Hospice.

So, what exactly is Befriending?  

This unique type of community involvement is highly beneficial and hugely rewarding to any individual who can offer a minimum of 2 hours each week.  The main objective of the service is to befriend a patient in a variety of ways in order to reduce social isolation and increase confidence, as well as helping to create enjoyable and meaningful experiences.

What does a Befriender do?

As a befriender you would be forging a trusting, consistent and reliable relationship with a Hospice patient, helping to support their family, friends, doctors and community professionals.

Everyone has a different set of circumstances but you could well be the befriender who offers a helping hand to make a person's everday tasks easier and more enjoyable - for example, going with them to the shops, the bank or the library.

A befriender is also there to offer practical support and sympathy to close family, partners and others who are going through a very difficult time.

What about training and guidance?

Your investment as a befriender is very important to St John's. It's our priority to teach, guide & support you in feeling confident as a befriender.

OK, so what next?

If you are interested in becoming a Befriender and you are over 21 simply fill out the application form and send it to our Volunteer Services Co-ordinator at volunteering@hje.org.uk.  Alternatively, give her a call on 020 7806 4049 to arrange a time to come in for a visit and a chat.

Why not have a look at the latest Befriending newsletter?