SIX volunteers have been skilled up and completed their training to become the first “Befrienders” in Warrington.
The Befrienders project aims to match these trained volunteers to local people. They can listen, chat and offer support to a person in need.
The project was developed by the council’s wellbeing service alongside Warrington Voluntary Action in the Gateway and is free for volunteers.
There are already 50 volunteers across Warrington from various mentoring projects who are trained and equipped to support people in the community and the Befrienders training is a new opportunity for them to develop their skills.
They attended council approved training courses where they covered
safeguarding, lone working, health and safety, risk assessments, and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. Their role also includes encouraging independence and self-confidence while promoting or accompanying someone to local services and community groups.
The volunteers have also attended induction sessions and will receive one to one support for the duration of their volunteering.
Anyone interested in any of these opportunities who would like to know more about volunteering, should contact Joanna Cottrell on [email protected] or call 01925 241360.
Warrington’s first “Befrienders”
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
