Volunteer Befriender

1 month ago

London, United Kingdom Rethink Mental Illness Full time

Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

We are looking for Volunteer Befrienders to support our Brent Mental Health service in the London Borough of Brent. 

As a Volunteer Befriender, you will be required to travel across Brent to meet with service users and carry out your role. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 2 hour per week to volunteering. 

You will be supported by Befriending Volunteer Coordinators who will provide regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.

About the service

Our Brent Mental Health service provides support to people aged 18 and above, who live in the Borough of Brent, and who have a mental illness and are known to the local NHS trust Central and North West London (CNWL).

The aim of the Befriending Service is to;

  • Reduce social isolation of service users
  • Increase the confidence of service users in accessing community resources independently
  • Provide meaningful activities and peer support for service users 
  • Help service users to live happier, healthier, independent lives
  • Provide volunteering opportunities for people with mental health issues
  • Reduce stigma and raise mental health awareness

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Befriender:

  • Meeting with service users in locations and times which meet their needs (including evenings and weekends)
  • Provide befriending support to a maximum of 2 services users at any one time
  • Provide emotional support based on your own lived experience
  • Support service users to access and build social and community networks and activities
  • Act as a community connector to local services

What will make you a great fit for this role?

  • You will have good communication skills
  • You will be flexible in order to meet the needs of the service users

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact  or

If would like to express an interest for this opportunity, please complete an application as soon as possible as the advert may close early if we receive a high level of interest.

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion  

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. 

  • Volunteer Befriender

    4 weeks ago

    London, Greater London, United Kingdom SeeAbility Full time

    Befriender 'Out and About' Volunteer RoleAt SeeAbility, we are seeking a reliable and friendly Volunteer Befriender to support individuals with learning disabilities and autism in Kennington. As a Befriender, you will play a vital role in enhancing the lives of our service users by accompanying them to activities they enjoy.Key Responsibilities:Attend...

  • Befriender 'In Home' Volunteer

    6 months ago

    London, United Kingdom SeeAbility Full time

    Role Description Befriender 'In Home' Volunteer Location: Kennington (Oxfordshire) Time Commitment:  Flexible The Befriender 'In Home' Volunteer will play an important role by providing companionship to someone we support in Kennington and spending time with them, visiting them in the home and doing activities they enjoy. These might include...

  • Volunteer Befriender

    3 weeks ago

    London, Greater London, United Kingdom SeeAbility Full time

    Volunteer RoleThis volunteer role offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in someone's life by providing companionship and support.About the RoleWe are seeking a kind, empathetic, and friendly individual to join our team as a Befriender 'In Home' Volunteer.Key ResponsibilitiesVisit and spend time with individuals in their homesEngage in...

  • Volunteer Befriender

    3 weeks ago

    London, Greater London, United Kingdom Coram Full time

    OUR REQUIREMENT We are looking for a volunteer to befriend and support a child in care, providing a consistent, fun relationship outside the care system. As a volunteer, you will be part of our Independent Visitors Project in London and the South East. Training and Support Full training and on-going support will be given to help you in your...

  • Befriending Volunteer

    5 months ago

    London, United Kingdom In-Deep Community Task Force Full time

    In - Deep is a small registered charity in Westminster, London. We support older people and children with special needs to reduce social isolation. We have a range of projects including a befriending scheme. **About the role** In-Deep is looking for telephone and visiting befriending volunteers. No previous experience is needed as a friendship caller or...

  • Befriender 'Out and About' Volunteer

    6 months ago

    London, United Kingdom SeeAbility Full time

    Role Description Befriender 'Out and About' Volunteer Location: Kennington (Oxfordshire) Time Commitment:  Flexible  The Befriender 'Out and About' Volunteer will play an important role in the lives of the people we support in Kennington by being a reliable companion to attend activities they enjoy taking part in. These might include going...

  • Befriending Partner

    2 weeks ago

    London, Greater London, United Kingdom Eastbourne Association Of Voluntary Services Full time

    We are seeking a Befriending Volunteer to join our team in East Sussex. As a Befriending Volunteer, you will be working closely with older people to ensure they can access the services they require, making the county a great place to grow old.Key ResponsibilitiesSupporting older people in accessing services and making a positive impact in their...

  • Befriending Officer

    7 months ago

    London, United Kingdom Blackfriars Settlement Full time

    Job description Come and be part of the Positive Ageing service supporting local older people in the north of Southwark. The Befriending service matches trained volunteers with isolated older people and is a hugely valued part of the service we provide. The Positive Ageing team is energetic and dynamic, working with a wide variety of local partners to...

  • Befriending and Volunteer Coordinator

    5 months ago

    North West London, United Kingdom Rethink Mental Illness Full time

    We are looking for an experienced and Passionate Befriending and Volunteer Coordinator! The Brent Mental Health service is commissioned by CNWL to bolster community mental health support to adult patients and service users (18+). within the Brent borough alongside statutory services. Brent is spilt into 3 locality hubs which the service will work...

  • Befriender Volunteer for Young Person in Care

    5 months ago

    East London, United Kingdom NYAS Full time

    **Independent Visitor - Befriend young person in care - Volunteer** **The Role** - “My IV is very caring and has helped me a lot. She is really important to me.” _Young Person Could you volunteer and make a difference to a young person in care? An Independent Visitor is a positive adult role model who provides support and friendship to a young person...

  • Helpline Services Volunteer Officer

    4 weeks ago

    London, UK, United Kingdom PROSPECTUS-4 Part time

    We are delighted to be supporting a national health focused charity to find a part time, temporary Helpline Support Services Volunteer Officer. This role is for 6 months for 21 hours per week and offers hybrid working with only one day per month in their London Office. You will support with the recruitment, training and development of Helpline Volunteers...

  • Companion Volunteer

    4 weeks ago

    London, Greater London, United Kingdom SeeAbility Full time

    Volunteer Befriender RoleLocation: Kennington (Oxfordshire)Time Commitment: FlexibleThe Volunteer Befriender will play a vital role in the lives of the people we support in Kennington by being a reliable companion to attend activities they enjoy taking part in. These might include going for a walk, attending a concert, going to the cinema, going out for...

  • Companion Volunteer

    4 weeks ago

    London, Greater London, United Kingdom SeeAbility Full time

    About the RoleThe Befriender 'In Home' Volunteer will play a vital role in providing companionship to someone we support in their home, spending quality time with them, and engaging in activities they enjoy. This may include chatting over a cup of tea, reading books, or playing board games.Key SkillsTo be kind, empathetic, and friendlyTo have a good sense of...

  • Volunteers

    6 months ago

    London, United Kingdom The British Homes Full time

    Volunteers Streatham, London At British Home we are grateful to all of our volunteers who support people living with neuro-disability in so many different ways. We are always interested in hearing from anyone who would like to volunteer at the Home. We are specifically keen to hear from people who could offer their services as Drivers or as Spiritual and...

  • Helpline Support Services Volunteer Officer

    4 weeks ago

    London, Greater London, United Kingdom PROSPECTUS Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a skilled and compassionate Helpline Support Services Volunteer Officer to join our team at Prospectus. This part-time, temporary role will involve supporting the recruitment, training, and development of Helpline Volunteers and Befriending Volunteers.Key ResponsibilitiesSupport the recruitment and training of Helpline Volunteers...

  • Volunteer Officer

    3 weeks ago

    London, United Kingdom TPP Recruitment Full time

    Working arrangements: Hybrid, 1 day in office per month Location: London, Finsbury Employment type: Temporary, ASAP for approx. 6 months at leastWorking hours: 21hrs pw (offering flexibility between 9-5 Monday to Friday) Short description of role:We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established charity for a Helpline Services Volunteer Officer to join their...

  • Helpline Services Volunteer Officer

    4 weeks ago

    London, Greater London, United Kingdom PROSPECTUS-4 Full time

    About the Role:We are partnering with a national health focused charity to find a part-time, temporary Volunteer Officer for Helpline Services. This 6-month role requires 21 hours of work per week, with a flexible hybrid working arrangement and one day of office work per month in their London location.Key Responsibilities:Support the recruitment, training,...

  • Companionship Volunteer in Oxfordshire

    2 weeks ago

    London, Greater London, United Kingdom SeeAbility Full time

    Job Title: Companionship Volunteer in OxfordshireThis is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others, volunteering with SeeAbility as a Befriender 'In Home' in Kennington, Oxfordshire.About UsWe are one of the oldest disability charities in the UK, specialising in supporting people with learning disabilities and autism, who may...

  • Companion Volunteer

    4 weeks ago

    London, Greater London, United Kingdom SeeAbility Full time

    Volunteer Role DescriptionLocation: Time Commitment: FlexibleThe Volunteer Befriender will play a vital role in the lives of the people we support by being a reliable companion to attend activities they enjoy. These might include going for a walk, attending a concert, going to the cinema, going out for coffee or a meal, etc.Key Skills RequiredTo be kind,...

  • Volunteer Coordinator

    5 months ago

    London, United Kingdom COPSINS (Consortium of Older People's Services in Southwark) Full time

    Job description This is a great opportunity for someone with a passion for volunteering and working with older people to join a well established charity that has volunteers and volunteer involvement at the heart of our service delivery. Link Age Southwark is a local charity based in the London borough of Southwark. Our vision is for friendly local...