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- Tasks: Provide companionship to older people through weekly visits or calls.
- Company: Join Blackfriars Settlement, a community-focused organisation supporting those in need since 1887.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop core skills, and receive ongoing support and a reference.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in someone's life while growing personally and professionally.
- Qualifications: Kindness, reliability, good listening skills, and a commitment to building relationships.
- Other info: Minimum commitment of 6 months; perfect for aspiring social workers or counsellors.
Blackfriars Settlement is a vibrant community organisation, founded in 1887, working with people across north and mid Southwark. We support children and families, older people, people with mental health issues, and anyone facing isolation or disadvantage.
Through our Positive Ageing service, we’re recruiting Volunteer Befrienders to offer one-to-one social connection to older people who are isolated, housebound or lonely. This role is ideal for someone who has time to build a consistent, trusting relationship with an older or isolated person. It requires patience, good communication, and emotional resilience. Training and ongoing support are provided.
What you’ll do:
- Visit or call an older person weekly to offer companionship and connection
- Listen with care, build trust, and bring a sense of joy, purpose or ease to their day
- Encourage their interests, wellbeing, and engagement with the wider community
- Provide informal support and gentle encouragement—not advice or problem-solving
What you’ll gain:
- Hands-on experience in relational care—perfect for aspiring social workers, counsellors, or anyone seeking deeper understanding of people
- A chance to develop core skills like active listening, empathy, emotional regulation, and trust-building
- Personal growth, confidence and communication experience that transfers to many personal and professional settings
- A deeper appreciation of life, ageing, and human connection
- A reference after 6 months, plus ongoing supervision and reflective support to help you grow
What we’re looking for:
- A kind, reliable person with time and emotional capacity to give
- Good listening and communication skills
- Willingness to engage with people from all walks of life
- Openness to reflect, grow, and show up with consistency
Commitment: 1–2 hours per week. We ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months to support long-term relationships. This is a meaningful, relational role that asks something of you—and offers something real in return.
To learn more, visit blackfriars-settlement.org.uk. Apply via the button below. Charity No. 210558
End loneliness in our community - Volunteer as a Befriender employer: BLACKFRIARS SETTLEMENT
Contact Detail:
BLACKFRIARS SETTLEMENT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land End loneliness in our community - Volunteer as a Befriender
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the mission and values of Blackfriars Settlement. Understanding their commitment to community support will help you connect with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest during any conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or past volunteers if possible. They can provide insights into their experiences and share what qualities they believe are essential for a successful Befriender, which can help you prepare for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider attending community events or workshops related to social care or mental health. This not only enhances your understanding but also shows your commitment to personal growth and community engagement, which is highly valued in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice active listening and empathy in your daily interactions. These skills are crucial for a Befriender, and demonstrating them in your conversations can set you apart as a candidate who truly understands the importance of connection.
We think you need these skills to ace End loneliness in our community - Volunteer as a Befriender
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of a Volunteer Befriender. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for helping others, particularly older individuals facing loneliness. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your empathy, patience, and communication skills.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your CV, emphasise skills such as active listening, emotional resilience, and the ability to build trust. These are crucial for the role and should be clearly showcased in your application.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at BLACKFRIARS SETTLEMENT
✨Show Your Compassion
This role is all about building relationships, so make sure to express your genuine compassion for others during the interview. Share any relevant experiences where you've helped someone in need or connected with individuals from different backgrounds.
✨Demonstrate Active Listening Skills
Since good listening is crucial for a Befriender, be prepared to showcase your active listening skills. You might be asked to engage in a mock conversation, so practice reflecting back what you hear and asking open-ended questions.
✨Highlight Your Commitment
The role requires a minimum commitment of 6 months, so emphasise your reliability and dedication. Discuss any previous volunteer work or commitments that demonstrate your ability to stick with a long-term project.
✨Be Open About Your Growth Mindset
This position values personal growth and reflection. Be ready to talk about how you’ve learned from past experiences and how you plan to continue developing your skills in emotional resilience and communication.
