Golden Years Befriender

Befriending is a brilliant way to connect with someone in your area who may be feeling a little isolated or lonely.

By volunteering your time you will help an older person remain socially connected, and provide them with a much needed friendly ear. A weekly befriending call or meet up can help develop a trusting relationship through conversation building confidence and connection.

We will provide you with training and ongoing support to make sure you also grow in confidence and skills. Many of those you will be supporting may have recently returned home from hospital, have mobility issues or suffered from a stroke. They often have no close family, or no family at all, and their social network consists only of health professionals, neighbours and other voluntary sector organisations.

As a volunteer befriender, you will be carefully matched with one of our clients. You will receive training and ongoing support to help you in the role.

Our Golden Years Community Connecting service helps to tackle isolation and loneliness for the over 60’s in Edinburgh. Our free service is delivered by a wonderful team of dedicated, trained volunteers who offer encouragement, companionship and support to help our older people engage in social, leisure and community activities.