bEFRIENDING
Why Volunteer with Evergreen?
What is BEFRIENDING?
Befriending at the Evergreen Care Trust is a warm, person‑centred service that connects older people with volunteers who offer friendship, conversation and regular social contact. Through weekly phone calls, home visits or trips out for a coffee, our befrienders build meaningful relationships that help reduce loneliness and bring joy, reassurance and companionship into someone’s life. It’s a simple idea with a powerful impact — creating genuine connections that support wellbeing, confidence and a sense of belonging within the community.
At The Evergreen Care Trust we rely on a team of dedicated volunteers who help deliver services across the local community so that older members of our community are supported and cared for. Not only is volunteering a great way to help others, it's also a way of meeting new people, developing new skills and being a part of a warm and supportive community. Whether you can give a little time or a lot, we'd love to hear from you!
-
Build rewarding friendships
-
Make a real impact on someone's life
-
Gain valuable experience and training
-
Be part of a supportive community
-
Uncover new places in the local area
-
Attend exciting events
-
Share laughter and stories
-
Opportunities tailored to your interests
The BEFRIENDING team
The Befriending Team at Evergreen is made up of two dedicated office staff who carefully match volunteers with members to ensure the right personalities, interests and needs come together. Once paired, our wonderful team of volunteers — based across Stamford, Bourne and Market Deeping — travel to people’s homes to offer companionship through visits, conversations and shared outings. All staff and volunteers are fully DBS‑checked, and volunteers receive regular check‑ins and support to make sure both they and the members they visit are enjoying the experience. It’s a warm, well-supported service built on trust, consistency and genuine human connection.
how we can help
Befriending at Evergreen can support someone in lots of simple but meaningful ways — from regular check‑ins to brighten the week, to trips out together, or even just a friendly phone call for a chat. The aim is to offer companionship in whatever way feels most natural and enjoyable for the person being supported. Volunteers and members might head out to a garden centre, enjoy a coffee in the garden, go for a gentle walk, share a meal out, or simply spend time talking at home. Each befriending relationship is shaped around what brings comfort, confidence and joy, helping people feel more connected to their community.
WhAT OUR BEFRIENDING MATCHES DO TOGETHER:
Once a befriendee is matched with one of our volunteer befrienders, they’ll connect once a week, either by phone or in person. Every match is unique, and meetings are shaped around shared interests, comfort levels and what feels meaningful for both people.
In‑person meet‑ups can take many forms — from quiet chats over a cup of tea at home, to gentle walks, garden centre trips, cinema visits and more. The aim is always the same: building confidence, companionship and connection.
Please note: befrienders and befriendees each pay for themselves for any paid activities or outings. In no circumstances should either party cover costs for the other. This keeps the relationship balanced, comfortable and focused on friendship.
VISIT GARDEN
CENTRES
ENJOY A
COFFEE
TOGETHER AT
HOME
WATCH A
FOOTBALL
MATCH
PLAY A
BOARDGAME
TOGETHER
ENJOY A TRIP
TO A LOCAL
RESTAURANT
WATCH A
LOCAL BAND
PLAY
GO TO THE
CINEMA
GO FOR A
LIGHT WALK
How to get in touch?
Our office is open Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm, to take new enquiries, and our Befriending Team operates across a range of hours to offer flexible support. To use our Befriending Service or to find out more, you can call Evergreen on
01780 765900 or email befriending@evergreencare.org.uk.