Telephone Befriender - MHA
Our Volunteer Telephone Befrienders help improve the quality of life of older people who feel socially isolated or lonely. By offering regular, friendly phone calls, volunteers help people feel connected, valued, and supported.
About the Role
You will be matched with an older person and make a weekly phone call (around 30 minutes) for a friendly chat. Over time, you’ll build a positive, trusting relationship while helping reduce isolation and, where appropriate, encouraging access to local community services.
What You’ll Be Doing
Building a friendly, open befriending relationship while maintaining clear boundaries
Making regular agreed phone calls to chat and listen
Putting the older person’s needs first while respecting their privacy and independence
Maintaining confidentiality (except where concerns are raised, as covered in training)
Reporting any concerns or changes in wellbeing to your named support contact
Completing basic records (e.g. call logs and expense forms)
Letting your support contact know about holidays or changes affecting availability
Following all relevant Health & Safety and volunteering policies
Skills & Qualities Needed
Good listening skills
Patience, empathy, and understanding of older people’s needs
Reliability, punctuality, and flexibility
Ability to keep simple records
Clear sense of personal boundaries
Supportive and non‑judgemental approach
Willingness to engage in training and development
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Basic computer skills (desirable) to complete reports and training
Training & Support Provided
You’ll receive:
Full induction to the role
Ongoing support from a named contact
Agreed out‑of‑pocket expenses reimbursed
Relevant training and skills updates
Mandatory training includes:
Safeguarding Adults at Risk
Dementia Friends online course
Basics of 1‑to‑1 Befriending workbook
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (as required)
Customer Service (as required)
This role requires an enhanced DBS check due to 1‑to‑1 contact with members.
Time Commitment
Minimum commitment of 6 months
Around 1 hour per week (including phone call(s) and record‑keeping)
Why Volunteer?
Help reduce loneliness and isolation
Build meaningful one‑to‑one connections
Gain confidence and listening skills
Make a genuine difference to someone’s wellbeing
If you enjoy listening, value meaningful conversation, and want to help older people feel less alone, becoming a Telephone Befriender is a simple but powerful way to make a difference.