Guild Care Celebrates Volunteer Befrienders Supporting Older People

Making a real difference

Guild Care, a social care charity operating in Brighton and Hove, is using Befriending Week to highlight the impact of its volunteer visitors on older people's lives. The service brings together volunteers and older residents who may struggle with mobility, live alone, or find it difficult to maintain social connections.

Sue Sweeney, who coordinates the Befriending service, explained the value of the work: "Befriending is one of the simplest and most wonderful ways to make a difference in someone's life. A regular visit and a friendly conversation can mean so much."

Ms Sweeney matches volunteers and befriendees based on personality and interests, and provides ongoing support to both parties. The coordinator said the charity is keen to recruit more volunteers. "We're incredibly grateful to our volunteer befrienders and the impact they have is incredible," she said. "But there are so many more people in our community who would love a befriending visit, so if you can spare a little time each week and enjoy meeting people and making a difference, we'd love to hear from you."

Real connections

Two volunteer and befriendee pairings showcase how the service operates. Peter, who was introduced to Guild Care during his recovery from a stroke, has been matched with volunteer Denny. Denny said: "Befriending is about connection, just being a friend. You don't need specific qualifications, all you need is empathy, warmth, the ability to listen and be able to commit a regular weekly or fortnightly visit."

Peter spoke warmly of the relationship: "It's like having the younger sister I never had. We hit it off pretty much straightaway. Actually, it was almost a meeting of souls."

Volunteer Suzi and befriendee David bonded over their shared love of music. Suzi recalled their first meeting: "I don't think I'll ever forget our first meeting because I thought it would feel more awkward but literally within minutes, we had already started singing together."

David highlighted the value of regular contact. "Sometimes I don't see anyone all day between carers so it can make a terrific difference to know someone is visiting because you know you're going to have some conversation on that day at least."

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