End loneliness in our community - Volunteer as a Befriender
New Today
Blackfriars Settlement - Volunteer Befriender
Location: North and Mid Southwark
Time commitment: 1–2 hours per week, minimum 6 months
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
- Location:
- London
- Salary:
- Voluntary
- Job Type:
- PartTime
- Category:
- Charity, Development & Non Profit