- Meet with your matched person regularly (weekly or fortnightly, depending on availability).
- Spend around 2 hours per visit engaging in conversation or shared activities (e.g. a walk, a coffee, or a cultural outing).
- Befriend within agreed boundaries.
- Attend induction and training, plus support and supervision sessions every 6–8 weeks.
- Use your Social Links debit card to cover the cost of activities up-front (e.g. coffee, travel).
The Role
Our volunteer befrienders – called Visitors – are matched one-to-one with someone living in a homeless hostel or supported housing in Westminster. Visitors meet their match regularly (weekly or fortnightly) to share interests, chat and build a healthy social connection. This role is not about giving advice or encouraging change – it’s about being present, listening and offering companionship.
- You’ll be part of something new and help shape it. We’re a small, growing charity, so your contribution is visible and genuinely valued. You will not feel like “just another volunteer”.
- You’ll be well supported throughout. You’ll get a thorough induction, training, and regular reflective supervision (every 6 to 8 weeks) with a named coordinator. It’s a more supportive set-up than most student volunteering roles.
- It’s strong experience for future roles. If you’re trying to break into the charity, social, or public sector, this gives you credible experience you can evidence in applications and interviews: boundaries, safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and relationship-based work.
- You’ll get real personal development, not just something to add to a CV. You’ll build confidence in communication, listening, professionalism, and working with difference. You’ll also develop reflective skills and learn how to handle complex situations with support.
- It’s meaningful and human. The role is about companionship and connection, without a “fixing” agenda. Being present, consistent, and respectful can make a genuine difference to someone’s sense of belonging.
- You’ll meet people who are often overlooked. You’ll spend time with individuals with rich, surprising stories, humour, interests, and perspectives, and you may come away with a wider view of the world.
- Experience of trauma-informed, person-centred volunteering.
- Training, ongoing support and regular support and supervision with tailored personal development.
- A chance to make a tangible difference to someone’s sense of connection and belonging.
- Ideal for someone who may like to work in the charity or social sector in futue, but who is not yet in a positive to evidence experience to employers.
We don’t require previous experience – we recruit for values and attitudes. Our ideal volunteer is:
- Reliable and committed – able to maintain a 3–6 month volunteering commitment.
- A good listener – respectful, curious, and able to sit with different perspectives.
- Inclusive and non-judgemental – committed to equality, diversity and treating people the way they want to be treated.
- Reflective and open to feedback – willing to learn and grow through the experience.
- Happy to have a basic DBS check that Social Links will pay for.
Similar Opportunities
In this role, you’ll help create a fun, uplifting atmosphere where participants can relax, express themselves, and enjoy music together in a supportive environment. Whether someone wants to belt out their favourite song or simply watch and enjoy.
Are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support.
