BEFRIENDING PROJECT

What is Befriending?

Arran Community and Voluntary Service has launched a Befriending Service to help tackle the issue of social isolation on the island.

Across the UK, it’s estimated that over one million people experience loneliness – a growing concern, especially in rural communities like ours. Risk factors contributing to social isolation include living alone, limited mobility, lack of transport, and the challenges of rural life.

While Arran is known for its strong community spirit and proactive residents, social isolation can still affect people of all ages. Some may be housebound or have lost confidence in getting out and about. Others may simply enjoy the comfort of their own home and would benefit from a regular cuppa and a friendly chat.

Our Befriending Service aims to offer that little bit of extra support – whether it’s companionship, a listening ear, or encouragement to re-engage with the community.

If you or someone you know might benefit from befriending, we’re here to help.

What Is a Befriender?

A Befriender is a trained volunteer who offers companionship and support to someone experiencing social isolation. The role is varied and flexible, depending on the needs and interests of the individual being supported – known as the befriendee.

Some common activities a Befriender might be involved in include:

Home visits: Spending time chatting with the befriendee in their home for an hour or two each week or fortnight. This might involve sharing stories, discussing hobbies, or simply providing a listening ear.
Going for walks: Some befriendees enjoy gentle exercise but feel safer walking with someone. Having a Befriender alongside them can ease concerns, especially from family members who worry about falls or safety.
Café catch-ups: Getting out of the house for a cup of tea or coffee can make a big difference. A Befriender can accompany the befriendee to a local café for a change of scenery and a friendly chat. Volunteer expenses are covered.
Attending community groups: Joining a new group can be daunting. Befrienders can support someone to attend local groups or activities until they feel confident to go alone.

What a Befriender Cannot Do

To keep the focus on companionship and emotional support, there are some things Befrienders are not expected – or permitted under the project – to do:

Handle money: Befrienders must not deal with finances or carry out shopping tasks.
Do housework: Cleaning or maintaining the befriendee’s home is not part of the role.
Provide transport: While some volunteers may choose to drive a befriendee to a café or group (by prior agreement), they should not be used for appointments or errands. If a befriendee needs transport to go to an appointment, please refer them to our Community Transport project.
Cook meals: Preparing or serving food is not a requirement of the role.
Give medical advice: Befrienders are not trained healthcare professionals and should not offer medical or health-related advice.
Provide counselling: While listening is important, Befrienders do not offer formal counselling or therapeutic support.

How Can I Volunteer to Become a Befriender?

Volunteering as a Befriender is a meaningful way to support someone who may be feeling lonely, isolated, or disconnected from their community. Befrienders offer regular social contact and companionship – whether that’s through a friendly chat, a short walk, or joining a local group together. It’s a simple but powerful way to make a difference.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds who are friendly, reliable, and good listeners. You don’t need any special qualifications – just a genuine interest in helping others and a commitment to building positive connections.

What’s Involved?

Before starting, all Befrienders receive full training to ensure they feel confident and well-prepared in their role. Training covers topics such as communication, safeguarding, boundaries, and how to support someone with empathy and respect.

Ongoing support is available throughout your time as a volunteer, and we’re always on hand to answer any questions or provide guidance when needed.

Volunteer Requirements

To become a Befriender, you’ll need to:

Complete a PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme application – this is free of charge
Provide two character references – from people who know you well (but not family members)

We’ll help guide you through the process and match you with someone who suits your personality, availability, and interests.

Why Volunteer?

Becoming a Befriender is an incredibly rewarding experience. As well as making a positive impact in someone else’s life, many volunteers tell us they gain:

A stronger sense of purpose and personal fulfilment
New friendships and meaningful connections
Valuable listening and communication skills
A deeper understanding of the community around them

Whether you have an hour a week or a few hours a month, your time and companionship can make a real difference.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’d like to volunteer as a Befriender, we’d love to hear from you!

Contact us to request an application form or to have a friendly chat about the role. You can call us on 01770 600611, email us at mairi.inglis@arrancvs.org.uk, or pop into the office on Park Terrace, Lamlash for more information.

Together, we can reduce loneliness and build a more connected Arran.