We are celebrating befriending week this week in our Volunteer Telephone Befriending service at Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind. 

Since July 2021 our brilliant befrienders have made over 260 calls to older people who are feeling lonely or isolated, the support we offer would not be possible without our team of volunteers. 

Our volunteers offer free telephone befriending for people over 50 in Middlesbrough so they can enjoy chatting with someone over the phone from the comfort of their home. We match volunteers with older people based on their hobbies and interests so they can have a friendly, weekly chat. People who receive the support tell us the chats are the highlight of their week; 

"I look forward to every Thursday and wait for the call. It's not much fun being on your own". 

As a thank you to our volunteers we are holding a Wellbeing Session on Friday full of relaxation techniques and self care tips and advice. 

Our volunteers have told us how volunteering has had an impact on their lives: 

"I love volunteering as a Telephone Befriender for Mind.  I get so much out of it, and I believe it is a lifeline for those that are struggling, who are thankful for a friendly listening ear.  I look forward to my day of volunteering and I know that any challenges I face, I will have the full support of the Befriending Coordinator". 

"I think volunteering has helped me gain life skills that have broadened my outlook on the future and made a difference to my own wellbeing. I’ve gained new friends too". 

If you are interested in joining our team of volunteers please have a look at our current opportunity: 

Volun-tees (voluntees.co.uk)