Hi! My name is Kalpana and I’m the new Volunteer Coordinator at DGMEFM Network.

 

I’m looking for volunteer befrienders who would like to join the befriending project.

 

If you can spare some time to befriend a person with ME, Fibromyalgia or long covid with post-exertional malaise and help them to feel less lonely and isolated, then contact me on – kalpana@dgmefm.org.uk or 07761048514.

 

In return for your time, I can promise that you’ll have fun and meet new people. You’ll be fully supported and all your training will be free and provided for you.

 

I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Kalpana

 

**************************************************************************************************

 

What is the Befriending service?

 

Having (or waiting for) an ME, CFS, Fibromyalgia or long Covid (with post-exertional malaise) diagnosis can lead to people spending more time on their own. This can sometimes mean feel lonely, worried, bored or lead to people missing friends or family.

Our new service will offer free telephone/online and/or face to face friendship services for people with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia or long Covid (with post exertional malaise), so they can enjoy chatting with someone.

 

Our service matches volunteers with members to have a weekly phone call of up to 60 minutes maximum. Face-to-face meet ups are also possible depending on the needs of the friend. People can also choose to do a mixture of calls and/or visits. Again, these will be dependent on need and availability.

It’s a fun, safe, easy way to get to know someone new from the comfort of your own home.

 

If you’d like to make a difference to a person’s life, read through the rest of this advert and see if it’s the right opportunity for you.

 

What’s great about becoming a befriender?

  • It’s a simple way to give something back through a weekly call/visit.

  • Our dedicated team will match you with someone who has shared interests.

  • Your calls/visits can make a huge difference to the happiness and wellbeing of a someone.

  • We protect the safety of all volunteers and members by making sure that volunteers are PVG enrolled and all appropriate training is given before anyone is matched together.

     

How does it work?

  1. You sign up and start your volunteer application. This involves completing references, training, PVG enrolment and having an interview with our team.

  2. We match you with a suitable person based on your interests.

  3. We will then connect you to begin your weekly calls.

     

What’s expected of me?

We’re looking for people who have excellent listening skills and enjoy a good chat. You’ll need to be able to show your friend respect, patience, empathy and understanding.

 

We’d also expect you to:

  • Make time for a call or visit each week

  • Commit to volunteering with us for a minimum of one year

  • Agree to our volunteer terms and conditions

  • Be kind and respectful to your new friend

  • Let us know if you or your friend need any support

 

If you are interested, contact kalpana@dgmefm.org.uk for an application form.