Reading Friends Volunteer for Stockton Borough Libraries. As a Reading Befriender, you'll be helping to tackle loneliness in your local community by using books and reading to share stories and start conversations over the telephone.
Reading Friends is all about reading, whether that’s books, magazines, newspapers, or anything else, chatting together and having fun. You don’t have to be an expert in literature to take part. All that’s needed is a love of reading and a desire to help people feel more connected in their community.
As a Reading Befriender, you'll be helping to tackle loneliness in your local community by using books and reading to share stories and start conversations over the telephone.
Reading Friends is a national programme developed by the Reading Agency and administered in Stockton by Stockton Borough Libraries
Role
- To make a weekly phone call to an individual who has registered to use the service.
- To carry out a 30-60 minute phone conversation with a focus on reading but not exclusive to reading.
- To provide a listening ear and friendly voice to people who may be feeling lonely.
- To provide a non-judgemental, open minded environment for the individual to share their thoughts.
- To raise any concerns to the Reading Friends co-ordinator should any additional needs or services be identified.
Similar Opportunities
Every Thursday, from 2pm until 5pm, we host the crisp packet project in our Southbank hub. Since starting this project, it has helped supply homeless people in our community with insulated sleeping bags, blankets, pillows and many more items.
You will gain valuable experience in meeting and talking to people in the local community. You will need to be flexible in your approach and willing to get involved in many of the ongoing actions we organise.
Role Summary: We’re looking for enthusiastic and friendly volunteers to join our event support team. As a volunteer, you’ll play a key part in creating an enjoyable and memorable experience for our guests. Tasks may include welcoming and directing at




