The SMILE Befriending Project: Our Volunteer Befrienders Stories
In previous blogs where I’ve written about the SMILE project, I have discussed the impact and importance it has on the community while reflecting on my work within the service. However, in this blog I focus on the individuals who help to manage and develop the SMILE Befriending project.
Whether it’s getting on a bus or ordering a coffee, these small interactions help to fill our day and increase our connection to society and our community. When there are multiple barriers that come into play, whether this be health issues, family situations or mobility, it becomes very challenging to meet anyone. That’s where isolation and loneliness start to bite. One of the users of our service explained that, before they sought help, they felt alone, lost in life and grief stricken. Though, when they were introduced to one of our trained befrienders, Amanda, this began to change.
Our trained volunteers provide support and companionship to those who may feel lonely, isolated or emotionally distressed. They hope to provide this support through many different activities such as walks in the parks, practical support and access to local community groups. The SMILE befriending project focuses on helping individuals to re-join their community; we believe these community connections help to give individuals a deeper sense of belonging, as well as a larger sense of security.
The aforementioned Amanda is one of our most adored befrienders. Her love for this role is no secret to anyone who meets her. Through encouragement and helping clients to build their confidence Amanda changes their lives, one client mentioned ‘Amanda makes me laugh, something I thought I would never be able to do after my I lost my daughter’.
I think this sentence alone shows the amazing effect that The SMILE befriending project has on people, it truly does make life changing connections and changes to lifestyles.
Volunteering with the SMILE Befriending project is good not only for your community, but also for your personal development. It creates opportunities for your skills to flourish, instilling in you compassion, patience and optimism. Amanda shone in her role as a volunteer, making it an easy decision to consider her for a role with Groundwork. She now works and is a paid employee of Groundwork Greater Nottingham, showing yet again that volunteering can be rewarding personally, as well as professionally.
To find out more and register your interest you can email us at befriending@groundworknottingham.org.uk
Aliya Hussain
Community Development Assistant
aliya.hussain@groundworknottingham.org.uk