At Staying Well we believe that talking to someone who will take the time to listen can be very beneficial to your health and wellbeing!

If you are looking for a volunteering opportunity that can make a huge positive impact to someone, you may want to become a Staying Well Telephone Befriender.

We are looking for people from all walks of life, of any age, having a friendly, chatty approach, willing to reach out to someone who needs somebody to talk to.

You only need to commit 30 minutes a week but those 30 minutes can mean the world to someone.

Many of our telephone befrienders have shared that those sessions have improved their own wellbeing.

If you would like to know more, get in touch with Sharon Gibson, our Befriending Coordinator on:
t: 07825 089 288
e: sharon.gibson@nhpltd.org.uk

Induction and training will be provided.

For more information visit Staying Well Telephone Befriending section

Case Study

To get an idea of the work Staying Well does and which a Telephone Befriender may eventually be able to do, please read this case Study: (name has been changed)

Client G

After an initial conversation with Client G’s daughter, it became apparent that Client G was feeling quite lost with himself and very isolated socially. Client G lost his wife 2 years ago and has been feeling quite lonely and isolated, he suffers with dementia and this can cause some confusion. He had been attending [Venue A] and is thoroughly enjoying this but was very uncertain about trying any other community groups alone.

After various conversations with Client G’s daughter,  [Venue B] community group in Elland seemed to be appealing. Initially I took Client G to [Venue B] and introduced him to everyone, helping him fill in the paperwork, which he seemed quite overwhelmed with. He sat on a table with a few other male members of [Venue B] and seemed to settle In well and enjoy himself. I spoke with Client G later that day and he said ;

‘I really enjoyed the group and everyone has made me feel so welcome. I definitely want to go again.’

He has continued to attend twice a month and seems to be really benefiting from attending this group especially from a social perspective. However he is also enjoying the various speakers and presentations [Venue B] have to offer.

Client G’s Daughter feels that the initial support from Staying Well gave Client G the confidence to eventually attend the group independently. She also feels attending [Venue B] and looking forward to this has improved his mood and mental health. I am now in discussions with Client G’s daughter looking at  other groups that her dad may be interested in trying in the coming weeks.