New NidderdalePlus Befriending Service: Volunteers needed! 

Nidderdale Plus is launching a new Befriending Service, with the aim of making long lasting and positive change to the lives of many people living across the Dale.  

In recent times, Nidderdale Plus Community Hub has received requests for support  to help people develop more local friendships. Whilst we know of the great work of  the churches in the dale in respect of befriending, we recognise there is a need for a  Befriending Service across the whole of Nidderdale. 

What’s the purpose of the Befriending Service?  

We know people of all ages can experience difficulties with social isolation and/or  loneliness and that this can have a negative and long-lasting impact on their health  and wellbeing. 

We understand there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach but, by matching a trained volunteer with someone who would like to make new friends, we can ensure people in need have a regular social connection with someone whom they can get to know,  like and trust. 

New friendships can really support people to build their confidence and access local  facilities and services, and, with the right fit, this can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for both the ‘befriender’ and the ‘befriendee’. 

There are three main ways volunteers will provide the service:  • regular weekly phone contacts 

• home visits 

• bringing people together at existing social activities in the Dale 

We are now recruiting for local volunteers to help us provide this vital new service.  Full training, including Safeguarding, and DBS checks will be provided for new  recruits.  

If you are interested in joining the volunteer team at NidderdalePlus please phone 01423 714953, email [email protected] or go to  

www.nidderdaleplus.org.uk/volunteer