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Volunteer with Us

The Hackney Volunteer and Befriending Service

The Hackney Volunteer and Befriending Service (HVBS) tackles social isolation through volunteering. It is a part of a wider scheme in Hackney to promote independence called Targeted Preventative Services (TPS).

Our beneficiaries

The people that use our service, the beneficiaries, are often isolated due to a number of different reasons; through old age, ill health, returning home after a stay in hospital, low-level mental health needs or mild learning disabilities.

Our service

Our service matches our beneficiaries with trained and vetted volunteers. Together they decide on an activity that will either promote independence or reduce isolation.

How it works

We receive referrals for people that might benefit from the service from across the borough - many come from social services, Homerton Hospital various charities. People can refer a friend or neighbour and also apply directly themselves.

Our volunteers

Due to the large number of people utilising our service, we are always looking for volunteers. Our volunteers are a fantastic group of people who enjoy a wide variety of roles. Some call their beneficiaries over the phone, some visit people in their homes, some take people out into the community, while others have roles in the office. This means that, however you want to be involved, there will be a role for you.

We do not require our volunteers to have any previous experience or qualifications - only enthusiasm and a commitment to the people we support. Hackney is a diverse borough and, as such, we are dedicated to supporting volunteer applications from across the community.

What you can get out of it

All of our volunteers receive a full induction, training and a DBS (criminal record) check. We also provide extra training for things like wheelchair safety and dementia awareness if our volunteers request it. You will receive ongoing support, including supervision, from our dedicated volunteer coordinators. We hold regular volunteer celebrations to let you know how much we appreciate what you do.

We understand that everyone volunteers for a different reason. Some people do it to make new friends, some people volunteer to give something back to their community and others to gain work experience (our service has been instrumental in enabling some volunteers to find paid work). Whatever your motivation, there will be a role and the right support for you.

How to get involved

Please call 020 7275 9829, email hackneyvolunteers@outward.org.uk, tweet via @hackneybefriend or pop into our offices at:

Hackney Volunteer & Befriending Service,
31 Waterson Street,
Shoreditch,
London E2 8HT