Telephone Befrienders Needed!

Do you have half an hour a week to spare to help someone in need? Communicare is looking for a team of volunteers to help telephone befriend those who are isolated and who we know have mental health challenges.


During these trying times we want those we support to know that they have someone that they can chat to wherever they are. Unfortunately, as a good neighbours charity, those identified with mental health challenges often wait the longest on our waiting list, and volunteers feel less confident about getting involved, which is why we really need your help.


All this involves is a half an hour call, a friendly chat, to check that they’re okay. No prior training or qualifications needed, just a kind heart, a listening ear, and a bit of empathy and a desire to understand. From the start we outline that our volunteers are not trained counsellors or mental health professionals, just a kind, empathetic, listening ear. We will signpost our clients to professional support services within the Network for challenges and difficulties outside of this ‘befriending’ scope.

Our scheme differs from many others on offer in that lived experience is not a pre-requirement. Empathy and a desire to understand are the key qualifications here.

If you have just half an hour a week to spare for someone else, your help would be truly appreciated.

To get involved, please fill in one of the volunteer information forms on our website and return it to: smhn@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk

​Thank you