Mantell Gwynedd

Ffrindia' Newydd

Recruiting Volunteers

About Mantell Gwynedd

The project is funded by the UK Government through the Common Prosperity Fund (SPF) until March 2026. The scheme was set up to support individuals in the community who experience loneliness, promoting their self-confidence and independence. The main objective of the scheme is to recruit and support volunteers to befriend individuals in the Arfon area of Gwynedd who are over 50 years old and need a little company, a boost to their confidence or support to reconnect with their community. Befriending means providing companionship and friendship to those who need it. Ffrindia’ Newydd offers a friendly chat, support to go out for a walk or to use public transport, help to participate in local clubs or activities, and tasks such as collecting prescriptions. Ffrindia’ Newydd volunteers do not provide personal care, manage day-to-day financial affairs or offer transport to health appointments.

25 Y Bont Bridd, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 1AB, GB

Service Eligibility

Our project targets individuals who experience loneliness, feel isolated and are at the boundaries of society.

The service is for individuals who meet the following criteria:

50 years old or older
Lives within the Arfon area of Gwynedd
The individual can move around independently or with light assistance from personal equipment.
The project does not provide support from a volunteer befriender for individuals with severe mental illness or severe cognitive impairment (e.g. Alzheimer’s or Dementia)

The individuals will be assessed by the Project Officer before being matched with a volunteer befriender. This is to ensure the suitability of the project and the best support for the individual.

Those who can refer to the service are: friends, family, social prescription teams, social services, third sector organisations and individuals can also self-refer.

Information for Volunteers

The role includes:

Attending all relevant training and support sessions with the Project Officer
Meeting with the individual as agreed
Provide support and encouragement to the individual
Keep company and chat with the individual
Allow the person to speak while you ‘actively listen’
Develop a positive relationship with the individual
Where appropriate, enable the individual to participate in social and community activities
Share any concerns with the Project Officer

Required qualities:

– Empathy and good listening skills
– Strong interpersonal and communication skills
– A non-judgmental approach with respect for various points of view
– Reliability and consistency
– The ability to be part of a team with a positive and friendly attitude
– Commitment to the role and to promoting independence and self-confidence in others
– Commitment to a confidentiality policy

More Information

Age Groups

Adults (25-65), Older Adults (65+)

Themes

Older People

Regions

Country: Wales

Other Information

Type of Befriending: Distance befriending including telephone, video call, letter writing or other means, Face to face befriending which takes place in the home or community

Who can refer: Self Referrals Accepted, Friends & Family Referrals Accepted, Professional Referrals Accepted