Call for Volunteer Befrienders
The Farming Life Centre’s (FLC) Befriending programme is entering its second year and is calling out for more volunteers to help run the service. The FLC, a farming charity based in Bakewell that’s entering its twentieth year, sees befriending as a key part of its aim to support farming and rural life in the Peak District. Donna, who runs the programme, is currently looking for volunteers to help in Eyam, Tideswell, Ashford and surrounding villages. Donna says “Anyone can be a rural befriender, you just need to be reliable and caring, with a few hours to spare each month. If you can offer some company to those in need of a listening ear, we would love to have a chat with you.”
One of the volunteers who helps as a befriender has said of their experience, “Volunteering as a befriender has been a pleasure. Visiting people in the relaxed atmosphere of their home environment helps a positive relationship to quickly develop. Befriending gives people the time and space to chat about whatever they like be it farming, family, childhood, good times and bad, all are memories which can be shared. It is not only the person sharing who benefits but also the befriender. I am privileged to hear some fascinating, sad and funny tales. I have met some amazing people as a befriender and my life has certainly been enriched by that experience. And of course I have made new friends!”
The befriending programme is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) with the aim to support socially isolated individuals in farming and rural communities across the Peak District. Further funding has since been applied for to extend the programme to specifically include tailored support for individuals living with dementia, recognising the increasing need for compassionate, community-based engagement in remote areas.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Donna on donna@thefarminglifecentre.org.uk or 07777 168 857
