Community Companion (Befriender)

Service Description

Our Community Companions Befriending Service supports people who are feeling lonely or socially isolated by connecting them with caring, trained volunteers from their local community.

As a Community Companion, you’ll be matched with a service member following a referral to our team. Together, you’ll work towards goals that matter to them, whether that’s building confidence to get into the community, developing a positive routine, or accessing new activities and services.

You don’t need specialist experience, just time, empathy, and a willingness to listen. We provide full training and ongoing support, and the impact you make can be life‑changing for someone who simply needs a friendly connection. Join our team and help reduce loneliness in our communities.

You can find out more about Community Companions on our website: https://www.bdcmind.org.uk/support-for-you/adult-services/community-companions/

learn more: Mind in Bradford - Befriending Networks

Role Description

As a Volunteer Befriender, you will be matched with an adult (18+) in the community who is feeling lonely or would like to build their confidence. You will offer one‑to‑one support for around one hour per week over a period of 8–12 weeks, helping them feel more connected and confident in their everyday life.

You’ll begin by getting to know your match over the phone before meeting in person to spend time together in the community. This might include:

• Meeting for a drink in a local café
• Visiting a community centre
• Taking a walk in a local park

Through regular, friendly contact, you’ll support your match to build confidence, develop routines, and work towards personal goals that matter to them.

Benefits

• Gain valuable work experience in the mental health sector
• Get support through our assistance programme Wisdom
• Access free mental health training on Mental Health Awareness, Resilience and Stress
• Receive rewards throughout your time volunteering with us, including Citizen Coin points
• Meet other volunteers at regular social events, volunteer drop-ins and workforce engagement days
• Claim expenses like travel and parking or food and drink depending on the length of your volunteer shift
• Volunteer at events in the community like Ilkley Food and Drink Festival and the Great Yorkshire Abseil

Making an application

· Complete the Volunteer Application form and select ‘Community Companion Volunteer’

· If you have any questions before you make an application you can contact us by emailing: volunteering@mindinbradford.org.uk

Making an application

Complete the Volunteer Application Form and select ‘Community Companion Volunteer’

If you have any questions before you make an application you can contact us by emailing: volunteering@mindinbradford.org.uk

Skills

Person Specification

BDC Mind is committed to promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and improving the quality of life for people with mental health challenges. We value diversity, inclusion and lived experiences when recruiting our staff and volunteers.

Ability

• Excellent communication skills, with an ability to connect with people from different backgrounds in person and over the phone
• Active listening skills
• Ability to encourage and motivate people to take positive steps towards achieving their goals
• Ability to uphold professional boundaries and maintain confidentiality
• Confident in completing basic administrative tasks, such as sending emails and using Microsoft Word
• Ability to work independently in the community

Attitude and Personal Attributes

• A positive, professional and flexible attitude
• Approachable, empathetic and non-judgemental
• Motivated to make a different to socially isolated adults and supportive of the goals of BDC Mind
• Willing to travel to community locations across the district