Long Term Opportunity

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation's Befriending Programme is a recently established service which helps to reduce isolation and increase wellbeing amongst lesbian, bisexual and gay people.

By offering 10 one to one sessions with a befriender, the individual can reduce their isolation, widen their social circles, and even gain the confidence needed to take up a new hobby or even apply for a college course. Currently the service has helped over 30 people, and, with the help of recent funding from Manchester City Council and the Rayne Foundation, we are keen to help more people across Manchester and beyond.

Sessions will take place in Manchester, but we are also able to travel to peoples' hometowns in the Greater Manchester area. After all, not everyone is drawn to the bright lights of Canal Street, and we recognise that, by coming to peoples' hometowns, we can help that person feel confident and
empowered in their own environment.

The future of the service is an exciting one, and to help it achieve its full potential, we need a
dedicated team of volunteer befrienders to join our current team. We are currently looking for
volunteers who can provide regular support, and most importantly, to help the person on their way to fulfilling their potential, whether that's listening, taking part in activities with them, or encouraging them to take up a new hobby or go to a group. Any experience and understanding of working with lesbian, gay and bisexual people is an advantage, especially working with older people, as we
believe that older people could really benefit from a service such as this.

Being a volunteer befriender can be enjoyable, challenging, educational, inspirational and many more things. You'll get to meet, and support people when they may be experiencing challenges and changes in their lives, and hopefully get to experience how your support has helped that person on their way to achieve better things. By being a regular point of contact in that person's life, you will potentially be a much needed support, especially if that person is feeling isolated.

Full training and expenses will be given, and we also provide money for befriending sessions, such as tickets for a play, entrance to a museum, or just even a cup of tea and a cake! We also offer regular supervision with volunteers, so if you have any issues or comments about your befriending experience, you can do so in a supportive and confidential environment. Social events for volunteers are a bonus too, so you can meet other volunteers, staff and strike up friendships yourself!