This September we welcomed a new batch of volunteers to our Befriending Scheme supported by the London freemasons. We asked new recruit Carolina to share her experience of the training day and what she hopes to get out of volunteering.

“On a rainy Saturday I came to Millman Street to take part in a days training for the befriending scheme hosted by Kate the Befriending Scheme Organiser.  

Kate explained all volunteers take part in the training to discover what to expect from the scheme and to answer any questions they have.  

The day was also a deep dive into understanding the lives of the different befriendees we could be supporting and what sort of activities we could do together.  

I learnt many things throughout the day, such as looking out the welfare of our befriendees (and ourselves!) plus understanding safeguarding.  

Befriending is an interesting role for me as I am from Brazil and I believe we have a very open culture, I was a bit nervous it was going to be a culture clash. But the training gave me confidence to adapt my skills to the role.  

I’ve decided to become a befriender to make a difference to lonely and isolated people in London and to share happiness whilst I am living here”. 

Our volunteer recruitment is a rolling process and we’re always ready to hear from you.  For further information and to register interest in this opportunity please email kate.blackshaw@holborncommunity.co.uk