Befriending Project: Just an hour a week can change a life

The Bureau, a much-loved local charity, is calling on the people of Glossopdale to step forward and help tackle loneliness in the community by becoming volunteer befrienders. 

Its Befriending Project has one simple aim: to bring companionship and conversation to people who are isolated or lonely. That might be due to bereavement, retirement, ill health, or a loss of confidence that makes leaving the house feel overwhelming. Sometimes, even where family members are nearby and supportive, what’s missing is the chance to simply sit down with someone, share a chat or enjoy a cup of tea together. 

“We all know the value of a good conversation” explains Faith Revesz, Befriending Coordinator. “Our befrienders aren’t carers or counsellors, they’re companions. The role is about bringing warmth, humour and friendship into someone’s life. No specialist skills are required.” 

The Bureau carefully matches clients and volunteers based on hobbies, interests or shared experiences, so there’s a natural starting point for conversations. It could be a similar career background, a shared love of football, or simply a similar sense of humour. “It’s not about pairing anybody with just anybody – it’s about creating the right conditions for a real friendship to grow,” adds Faith. 

Volunteers themselves describe how rewarding the role can be. One said: “I get so much out of the friendship, and my client doesn’t really see me as a volunteer – we just have a friendship! I receive the same support and companionship back, which I think is amazing.” 

Another added: “I suffer with a long-term health condition and usually struggle in the winter months with fatigue and low energy. This year I haven’t been as badly affected because I have something to do that gives me the motivation to keep going.” 

Once matched, pairs usually meet for around an hour each week. That could be in the client’s home, at a local café, in the park or even browsing the shops together. For some, it’s simply about enjoying company; for others, it’s about regaining the confidence to get out and about again. 

One lady, for example, hadn’t left the house for two years after struggling with mobility issues following two hip replacements. With her befriender’s encouragement, she gradually started attending a weekly group. Today, she goes out independently and even recently sent the team a video of herself dancing at a cabaret event. 

Another client, who relies on a mobility scooter, was nervous about going out alone. With the support of his befriender, he practised short trips around Glossop until he felt ready to do it himself. Not long ago, he proudly arranged to meet for coffee in town on his own – a milestone made possible by those first steps together. 

At present, the service has around 40 active pairings, but demand is rising fast. Right now, 17 people are on the waiting list, desperately hoping for a volunteer to be matched with them. 

The need is wide-ranging. Some clients live alone with little contact, while others are surrounded by family who help practically but don’t always have time for relaxed, everyday conversation. Some need encouragement to get out after a long period at home, while others simply value a friendly face to stroll round the garden centre with. 

The positive impact goes both ways. Volunteers often report that they gain as much from the role as the clients do. They build confidence, meet new people, and develop skills that can boost their CV. The Bureau provides full induction training, covering what to expect from the role, safeguarding and how to deal with concerns, along with optional further training on issues such as low-level dementia. An enhanced DBS check is provided at no cost, and expenses such as travel or a coffee are reimbursed. 

“It’s important for people to know this isn’t about personal care or complex support – that’s for other specialist services” says Faith. “We’re simply asking for people who are kind, reliable and willing to give a little bit of time to make a big difference.” 

While the standard commitment is an hour each week, the team stress that the role can be flexible. Some clients prefer fortnightly visits, and if a volunteer can only give some ‘out-of-hours’ time - evenings or weekends - The Bureau will consider it on an individual basis. The charity also welcomes pairs of volunteers, such as a retired couple, sisters or friends who might want to start off together until they feel confident enough to take on individual clients. 

Volunteers are never left unsupported. The Bureau keeps in regular contact, checks in monthly and is always available if concerns arise. If a pairing doesn’t work out, the team will simply re-match people – though issues are rare. 

Volunteering with The Bureau also has its social side. Befrienders are invited to informal meetups, afternoon teas and gatherings where they can share experiences. Many have become friends with one another, and are in the process of forming their own online support group and meeting socially outside of their role. 

The project was recently delighted to secure another three years of National Lottery funding, in partnership with New Mills Volunteer Centre and Connex Community Support Buxton, but the greatest resource it needs is people – which is why they are calling on the community to step forward. 

Glossopdale is known for being a strong, close-knit town - something that shone through during the Covid lockdowns, when neighbours checked in on one another, delivered food and collected prescriptions. “This is really about keeping that spirit alive” says Faith. “Looking after our own, especially those who don’t have family nearby, is what makes Glossop such a special place.” 

The Befriending Project is open to volunteers of all ages from 18 upwards, including young people who want to gain experience, retirees looking for purpose, or even local businesses able to spare staff for an hour a week as part of their community support initiatives. 

Client referrals into the service can be made by GPs, adult social care, carers, family members, or by individuals themselves. For volunteers, the process starts with a simple chat with The Bureau team, followed by training and DBS checks. 

The message is clear: more befrienders are urgently needed. With dozens already benefitting from the project and many more waiting, just one hour a week could truly transform someone’s life. 

As Faith sums it up: “It really is as simple as a cup of tea, a friendly face and a chat - but it means the absolute world to the people we support.” 

For more information or to apply as a volunteer befriender, contact The Bureau on 01457 865722, email befriending@the-bureau.org.uk or visit their Facebook page.