The Community Companions is a scheme that has been running in the Tandridge area for over 20 years. Within that time scale it has adjusted and adapted, and we have come to understand that Befriending has the potential to be diverse in its delivery. We also know that however it is delivered, there is a common goal of enabling meaningful and lasting connections and this can be between people with shared or different life experiences.
Befriending is a planned social interaction which can take place in a 1:1 or small group settings. The relationship begins with an organisation matching individuals together and then providing ongoing support to both befriender and service user. The befriending relationship has boundaries and will be monitored by the organisation and supported at all stages, including managing the ending. Currently our scheme is offering:
In the future we are potentially looking at providing peer support groups which will increase inclusivity within our community.
We are currently unable to take any new referrals at this time. However, you can sign up to our Community Companions Newsletter at the bottom of the page and once we have the resources required to take things forward, we will let you know. Thank you for your support.
If you are looking to join this amazing group of supportive volunteers, then fill out the Community Companions volunteer form. We would love to meet you and help you fulfil your volunteer journey. Our commitment from you is an hour a week and in return we hold regular group meet ups/coffee mornings and guest speakers/training events.
We know that providing human connection support promotes positive outcomes and helps to prevent negative ones, both for individuals and communities. Befriending reduces loneliness and social isolation by increasing connections.
The befriending relationship is nurturing, enriching, and trusting.
The below quotes are from some of our current volunteers about why they are part of this rewarding and necessary scheme.
“I have been a befriender for many years. I have always kept my visiting to one afternoon a week as I feel able to devote my attention and empathy fully in that time. I derive a great deal of satisfaction from sharing the time, and the experience expands my life. I have felt privileged to be able to share time with some lovely people.”
– Jill
“I really enjoy my weekly visits to Jean. She’s lived locally nearly all her life and I love hearing stories about the people she remembers from when she was a child growing up in Brasted and Westerham.”
– Liz