Why Befriending is Crucial for the Well-being of OSJCT Residents

Head of Volunteering, Catherine Semmence, reflects on what befriending is at OSJCT, following Befriending Week at OSJCT, and the impact it has on those that live with us

I was recently asked by a new colleague what I meant by the term volunteer befriending, it’s fitting therefore that one of the hashtags Befriending Networks are using to promote the week is #BefriendingIs. I started to respond with a very factual answer, explaining its when someone gives up their time voluntarily to offer companionship to another person, in our case one of our residents.? But I stopped myself quite quickly as this explanation simply doesn’t do it justice.

There is no doubt that our care homes are fun and vibrant places.?There is always some activity taking place (usually involving dancing, singing, some sort of craft and dare I say it plenty of glitter!) but despite this we know that loneliness still happens.?The former Minister for Loneliness Baroness Diana Barran once said, “Everyone needs other people, but not everyone has someone.”? This is where our Volunteer Befrienders often step in, complementing the brilliant care and support that our employees give our residents.

When a recently widowed resident moved into one of our homes, grief had obviously taken its toll. One of the lovely traditions they’d had as a couple over the last 40 years was to share the newspaper, taking it in turns to read it throughout the day, leaving little notes for each other on what they thought about certain news items.? With no other family, she was matched with a Volunteer Befriender.? Quite quickly they forged their routine where the volunteer would bring in the newspaper for our resident, they’d read it together, adding little notes as they went through.? Such a small act, but it meant the world to our resident.? That is befriending.

Dementia had caused one of our residents, originally from China, to lose their ability to speak English, meaning she spoke only mandarin which was her mother tongue.? One of our young Volunteer Befrienders, volunteering as part of their school enrichment programme, spoke mandarin and quite quickly forged a great relationship with her, sharing long conversations together.? Volunteer Befrienders create a sense of community that goes beyond the care home itself. These bonds benefit everyone involved, as they foster a greater sense of belonging, purpose, and understanding. That is befriending.

Our residents Derek and Molly shared what it is to them, “We enjoy poetry with our volunteer Meg on a regular basis. It’s something to break the day up and it’s a good hour or so reading and analysing poetry.”? Our Volunteer Befrienders also support our residents to continue with the activities that they are passionate about, helping our teams introduce new activities by sharing their experience and interests with residents.? That is befriending.

Our Volunteer Befrienders are special people, these are just a few examples of the incredible stories I hear every day at OSJCT.? It’s an important role that takes a certain type of person, someone with patience, understanding, compassion and a willingness to share their experiences and interests.? Our Volunteer Befrienders know when to talk and when to listen.?

So, next time I’m asked by someone what befriending is, my answer will be that it’s not one set thing, at least not here at OSJCT. ?Everyone is different and volunteer befriending is what the resident and befriender want it to be, based on a shared interest or the way which the resident would like to spend their time.?

Volunteer for OSJCT

If you’re reading this and thinking of volunteering for us – do it.

You’ll be joining an incredible network of people who volunteer for many different reasons but have the same vision – to ensure that our residents remain connected to their communities and continue to enjoy things that are important to them.? You can find an opportunity online at https://volunteer.osjct.co.uk

?I'm also happy to answer any questions you may have - Drop me a message!