Befriending at Corbenic Camphill Community

What is befriending?

Befriending is a way of giving support. It involves a one-to-one relationship of shared time through activities and social occasions. This offers an individual the benefit of a new social contact as well as the understanding and experience of a volunteer.

How can befrienders help?

A befriender can provide company on social outings. They are sometimes the only person in the life of an individual who is not paid to be there and so plays an invaluable role in relieving social isolation. Befrienders aim to relieve loneliness, increase confidence and self-esteem and build a trusting friendship.

Who can become a befriender?

Befrienders are men and women of all ages and from all walks of life who can give a couple of hours of their time on a regular basis. No previous experience or qualifications are required. However, as volunteers will be befriending vulnerable adults, all volunteers will be required to undergo a police check, although a conviction will not necessarily preclude a person from becoming a befriender. We are interested in hearing from potential volunteers who:

have a genuine interest in people
display common sense
can communicate well, are open minded, reliable and accepting of others
can be a good listener
show sensitivity
have a sense of humour
can devote time on a regular basis
can develop friendships with a view to sharing interests and hobbies

What can we offer you?

An initial induction training course and on going training
regular contact and support
out of pocket expenses
fun!
the opportunity to be involved in an active community

What having a befriender means to one resident?

'I get out more. I like going places. I meet new people that I've never met before. I do a lot more than I could normally do. They make me happy'

What some residents would like to do with befrienders

'I like badminton, music, cinema and would like someone to go walking with, for coffee outings or to help me write letters.'
'I would like to meet someone outside our community for social events and chats.'
'I like movies, going out for meals, birds of prey, animals and concerts.'
'I like football, golf driving range, swimming, shopping and lunch out. I like to get phone calls even if I can't go out.'

You will be under no obligation and will be invited to come and have a look round the community to see if befriending or being a friend of a workshop might be something you would like to do.

If you decide to go ahead then we will take you through some basic training, you will be able to meet the resident at the community several times before you take them out, and will never be expected to do anything you do not feel comfortable with.

Once you are happy then arrangements can be made between yourself and your befriendee for regular outings and activities. You will always have the back up and support of the community.