Norwich & Norfolk Voluntary Services

NVS Community Befriending Service

The NVS Community Befriending Service is run to help people who are housebound through physical disabilities, sight or hearing loss. They are people under 65 who live in Norwich and might feel lonely, or have difficulty getting out and about.

People of all ages and backgrounds can make good befrienders. All befrienders need is a small amount of time to give on a regular basis.

There are two sides to the Befriending Service:

Visitor Befriending

Visitor Befrienders visit regularly at a mutually agreed time either just to have a chat and a cup of tea, or perhaps to go out somewhere: shopping; to the cinema; for a walk...the list is endless.

Telephone Befriending

Telephone Befriending brings people together by telephone and email by offering:

• Volunteering opportunities for people who find it difficult to go out
• Social contact for people who would prefer talking on the phone or by email to a visit

Anyone who is a good listener, enjoys a chat on the phone, or likes using their computer skills to build an email friendship, might find telephone befriending a great way to volunteer.

Joining the scheme

Volunteers receive training and support from the scheme co-ordinator. Visitor Befrienders' activities expenses are met by the befriendee, and Telephone Befrienders' telephone expenses will be paid.

If you are interested in becoming a Befriender, or you are someone who would like a Befriender to start visiting or calling you, you can use our online information request form to find out more about the NVS Community Befriending Service. Alternatively, contact one of the Co-ordinators direct:

June Pye, Telephone Befriending Co-ordinator
The Market Surgery
26 Norwich Road
Aylsham NR11 6BW
Telephone: 01263 731478
Email: aylshamvsc@communitynvs.org.uk

Chris Overy, Visitor Befriending Co-ordinator
Lawson Road Health Centre
Norwich NR3 4LE
Telephone: 01603 428104
Email: northnorwichvsc@communitynvs.org.uk

Dianne Aldred, Visitor Befriending Co-ordinator
West Pottergate Health Centre
Norwich NR2 4BX
Telephone: 01603 620623
Email: southnorwichvsc@communitynvs.org.uk