
What is Befriending?
Are you…
Interested in other people? A good listener? Reliable? Able to give a few hours each week?
If this is you, befriending could provide you with friendship, access to a range of different activities, increased self-confidence and even a new direction in life!
Befriending offers a supportive, reliable relationship by connecting a volunteer befriender to individuals who are socially isolated. There are befriending projects around Hertfordshire that provide effective support for children and young people, families, people with mental ill-health, those with learning disabilities and older people. Befriending can also help reduce the burden on statutory services which people may mistakenly use as they seek social contact.
Organisations will provide training to prepare you for your befriending role and any expenses will be covered by the charity you volunteer for. Previous experience is not necessary, who you are and how you can support those in in isolation is what counts.
Interested? View our current roles below.
Befriending roles in Hertfordshire
Apply today
Short term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Rickmansworth
Volunteer Befriender - Chorleywood
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireShort term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Rickmansworth
Volunteer Befriender - Rickmansworth
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireShort term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Flexible location
Volunteer Befriender - Garston, Herts
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireShort term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Hemel Hempstead
Volunteer Befriender - Bovingdon
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireShort term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Hertford
Volunteer Befriender - Hertford
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireShort term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Waltham Cross
Volunteer Befriender - Cheshunt
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Waltham Cross
Volunteer Befriender - Cheshunt & Goff's Oak
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Waltham Cross
Volunteer Befriender - Waltham Cross
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · 0—2 hrs/month
Biggleswade
Mencap Volunteer Visitor
Mencap Volunteer Visitor - Out and About in Biggleswade
Posted by MencapLong term role · Flexible hours
Harpenden
Befriender
Help local adults with learning disabilities enjoy walks, hobbies, and social outings.
Posted by Harpenden MencapLong term role · 0—2 hrs/Week
Harpenden
Activities Companion
Volunteer at our fun, friendly social club on Thursdays from 7pm - 9pm.
Posted by Harpenden MencapLong term role · 1—4 hrs/Week · Starting from 15 Sept 2025
Volunteer helper
An opportunity for an enthusiastic person looking for an in-person opportunity to help those with a visual impairment feel less isolated and supported.
Posted by Watford Social Centre for the BlindLong term role · Flexible hours
Harpenden
Volunteer Befriender - Harpenden
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Bishop's Stortford
Volunteer Befriender - Bishop's Stortford
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Waltham Cross
Volunteer Befriender - Goff's Oak
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Potters Bar
Volunteer Befriender - Cuffley
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
St Albans
Volunteer Befriender - London Colney
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Letchworth Garden City
Volunteer Befriender - Letchworth
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Stevenage
Volunteer Befriender - Stevenage
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
St Albans
Volunteer Befriender - St Albans
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Watford
Volunteer Befriender - Watford
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Rickmansworth
Volunteer Befriender - Rickmansworth
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Potters Bar
Volunteer Befriender - Potters Bar
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Hatfield
Volunteer Befriender - Hatfield
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Welwyn Garden City
Volunteer Befriender - Welwyn Garden City
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Royston
Volunteer Befriender - Royston
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Ware
Volunteer Befriender - Ware
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Waltham Cross
Volunteer Befriender - Cheshunt
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours · Starting from 19 Aug 2025
Baldock
Volunteer Befriender - Baldock
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Hitchin
Volunteer Befriender - Hitchin
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours · Starting from 5 Aug 2025
Potters Bar
Home Visitor
A quick visit from a friendly volunteer can really brighten the day of the blind veterans. Can you pop by for a cuppa and a chat?
Posted by Blind Veterans UKLong term role · Flexible hours · Starting from 1 Aug 2025
Social Befriender
CamSight’s Befriending Service aims to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and loneliness by providing companionship and a sense of connection.
Posted by CamSightLong term role · Flexible hours
Volunteer Mentor
Support adults with learning disabilities, build confidence, and create real impact in a friendly, inclusive community at Watford Workshop.
Posted by Watford WorkshopLong term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Letchworth Garden City
Mencap Mate and Swimming Buddy Volunteer (Male)
We support a friendly and witty gentleman who loves swimming, in fact he is a former Special Olympics champion. He is looking for a friend to join him.
Posted by MencapLong term role · 1 hrs/Week
From home
Online Befriender to Young People with Long-term, Serious Illness
Bright Futures UK are looking for warm and energetic volunteer befrienders to provide support and a fun, safe space for young people with serious illness.
Posted by Bright Futures UKLong term role · 4—6 hrs/Week · Starting from 4 May 2025
Friday Letchworth Community Activities Volunteer
Are you a kind and caring person? Are you looking to give back to your community? Why not volunteer at Macfadyen Webb?
Posted by HILSLong term role · 1—2 hrs/month
Bournemouth
Volunteer visitor
If you like to get out and enjoy the outside for walks this is a great opportunity
Posted by MencapLong term role · 2—3 hrs/Week
Hertfordshire
Volunteer Community Hub Support
Volunteer with Herts Welcomes Refugees and the Refugee Council in delivering their local Community Hubs for local refugees.
Posted by Herts Welcomes RefugeesLong term role · Flexible hours
Hertfordshire
Association Visitor
Volunteer as an Association Visitor and support people with MND. Flexible around your life—make a real impact with your time, energy, and skills.
Posted by Motor Neurone Disease AssociationLong term role · Flexible hours · Starting from 19 Feb 2025
Rickmansworth
Craft one day course volunteers
9 Lives Furniture is seeking volunteers to run one day courses for crafts in our onsite workroom.
Posted by 9livesfurnitureLong term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
From home
Telephone Befriender
Do you enjoy chatting and getting to know people? Why not become one of our Telephone Befrienders and put your skills to good use supporting a great cause!
Posted by Deafblind UKLong term role · Flexible hours · Starting from 23 Dec 2024
Hitchin
Befriender
As a Befriender with Brainkind you will provide companionship to people during a difficult time in their lives and enable people to do the things that matter.
Posted by BrainkindLong term role · Flexible hours · Starting from 23 Dec 2024
Hitchin
Driver
This role would require you to be an experienced and competent driver with access to your own vehicle.
Posted by BrainkindLong term role · Flexible hours · Starting from 13 Dec 2024
Hitchin
Wellbeing and Activities
As a Wellbeing and Activities Volunteer you will be participating in activities that enhance the overall well-being and quality of life of the people we support
Posted by BrainkindLong term role · 2—3 hrs/Week
Watford
Home-Visiting Volunteer
Visiting families in their own home for 2-3 hours per week, offering friendship, practical and emotional support
Posted by Home-Start Watford and Three RiversLong term role · 2—3 hrs/Week
Watford
Inpatient Unit (IPU) Listener Volunteer
We’re looking for Volunteer Listeners to join our inpatient unit to offer quiet companionship, emotional support, and a safe space for patients.
Posted by Rennie Grove Peace Hospice CareLong term role · 1—3 hrs/Week
Baldock
Outings Companion
Could you help a blind veteran on a trip to the local shops or to attend an arts and leisure group?
Posted by Blind Veterans UKLong term role · 1 hrs/Week
Welwyn Garden City
Telephone Befriender (Welwyn Garden City)
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by telephoning them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Bushey
Volunteer Befriender - Bushey
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Borehamwood
Volunteer Befriender - Borehamwood
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Tring
Volunteer Befriender - Tring
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Hemel Hempstead
Volunteer Befriender - Bovingdon
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Hemel Hempstead
Volunteer Befriender - Hemel Hempstead
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
St Albans
Volunteer Befriender - Markyate, Hertfordshire
Are you a good listener? Do you enjoy making someone's day? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours · Starting from 28 Sept 2023
From home
Telephone Group Facilitator
Are you a good listener? Are you able to manage group conversations and ensure people feel comfortable together and that groups run smoothly?
Posted by RNIB, the Royal National Institute of Blind PeopleLong term role · Flexible hours · Starting from 18 Sept 2023
Become a compassionate neighbour
Enjoy a chat? Then join our vibrant Compassionate Neighbours team, develop mutually beneficial friendships and increase the fun in your life!
Posted by Garden House Hospice CareLong term role · 2—4 hrs/Week
Flexible location
Volunteer befrienders, ESOL teachers and team members
Volunteers needed to welcome & support refugee families & asylum seekers, roles include befriending, teaching English and working as a team to organise events.
Posted by Herts Welcomes RefugeesShort term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Bishop's Stortford
Volunteer Befriender - Bishop's Stortford
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireShort term role · 1—3 hrs/Week
Watford
Volunteer Befriender - Watford
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireShort term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Berkhamsted
Volunteer Befriender - Berkhamsted
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireShort term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Hemel Hempstead
Volunteer Befriender - Hemel Hempstead
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireShort term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Tring
Volunteer Befriender - Tring
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireShort term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Kings Langley
Volunteer Befriender - Kings Langley
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireShort term role · 1—3 hrs/Week
Abbots Langley
Volunteer Befriender - Abbots Langley
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireShort term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Stevenage
Volunteer Befriender - Stevenage
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireLong term role · 2—6 hrs/Week
Stevenage
Volunteer Driver
Do you like driving? Do you like helping people? Could you be a Volunteer Driver for the North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport service?
Posted by North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport ServiceLong term role · 2—6 hrs/Week
Baldock
Volunteer Driver
Do you like driving? Do you like helping people? Could you be a Volunteer Driver for the North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport service?
Posted by North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport ServiceLong term role · 2—6 hrs/Week
Letchworth Garden City
Volunteer Driver
Do you like driving? Do you like helping people? Could you be a Volunteer Driver for the North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport service?
Posted by North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport ServiceLong term role · 2—6 hrs/Week
Hitchin
Volunteer Driver
Do you like driving? Do you like helping people? Could you be a Volunteer Driver for the North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport service?
Posted by North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport ServiceShort term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Royston
Volunteer Befriender Royston
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireShort term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Baldock
Volunteer Befriender - Baldock
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireShort term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Letchworth Garden City
Volunteer Befriender - Letchworth
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireLong term role · 1—2 hrs/Week · Starting from 10 Jan 2023
Broxbourne
Volunteer Mentor
COULD YOU HELP TO CHANGE A YOUNG PERSONS LIFE? We need volunteers like you to support someone aged 11-24 by offering 121 mentoring.
Posted by Caudwell YouthLong term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Hitchin
Volunteer Mentor
COULD YOU HELP TO CHANGE A YOUNG PERSONS LIFE? We need volunteers like you to support someone aged 11-24 by offering 121 mentoring.
Posted by Caudwell YouthLong term role · 1—4 hrs/Week
Flexible location
Carers Peer Support Volunteer
Offering 1-1 peer support for Carers living in Hertfordshire via telephone, online or face to face.
Posted by Hertfordshire Mind NetworkLong term role · 1—2 hrs/Week · Starting from 4 Jan 2024
Hertford
Volunteer Mentor
COULD YOU HELP TO CHANGE A YOUNG PERSONS LIFE? We need volunteers like you to support someone aged 11-24 by offering 121 mentoring.
Posted by Caudwell YouthLong term role · Flexible hours
St Albans
Volunteer Befriender, visiting lonely and isolated people.
Provides regular companionship with a liked minded client sharing similar interests. Usually visiting for a friendly chat, on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
Posted by St Albans Good Neighbour SchemeLong term role · 1—2 hrs/Week · Starting from 4 Jan 2024
Hatfield
Volunteer Mentor
COULD YOU HELP TO CHANGE A YOUNG PERSONS LIFE? We need volunteers like you to support someone aged 11-24 by offering 121 mentoring.
Posted by Caudwell YouthLong term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Bishop's Stortford
Volunteer Mentor
COULD YOU HELP TO CHANGE A YOUNG PERSONS LIFE? We need volunteers like you to support someone aged 11-24 by offering 121 mentoring.
Posted by Caudwell YouthLong term role · 1—2 hrs/Week · Starting from 10 Jan 2023
Hemel Hempstead
Volunteer Mentor
COULD YOU HELP TO CHANGE A YOUNG PERSONS LIFE? We need volunteers like you to support someone aged 11-24 by offering 121 mentoring.
Posted by Caudwell YouthLong term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Flexible location
Compassionate Neighbours Volunteer
Compassionate Neighbours provide social and emotional support and companionship to people who are experiencing loneliness or social isolation
Posted by Rennie Grove Peace Hospice CareLong term role · 2—4 hrs/month
Flexible location
Compassionate Communities Group Volunteer
We’re looking for volunteers to help run our Compassionate Cafés and Hubs — safe, relaxed spaces where people can connect, share, and feel supported.
Posted by Rennie Grove Peace Hospice CareLong term role · Flexible hours
Borehamwood
Telephone Befriender
Our telephone Befrienders phone older people with long-term health conditions and their carers. They call on a regular basis to offer a friendly chat.
Posted by Communities 1stLong term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Flexible location
Supporting Hands Volunteer
We’re looking for Supporting Hands Volunteers to offer practical help and emotional support to patients being cared for in their own homes.
Posted by Rennie Grove Peace Hospice CareLong term role · Flexible hours
St Albans
Community Builder volunteer
NCT Community Builders are at the heart of our local volunteer teams. You will engage with parents to find out what services are needed in the local community.
Posted by NCT St AlbansLong term role · 6—30 hrs/Week
Hatfield
Friendship House Activities Volunteer
Are you a kind and caring person? Are you looking to give back to your community? Why not volunteer at Friendship House?
Posted by HILSLong term role · Flexible hours
From home
Telephone Befriender - Hertfordshire
Are you a good listener? Do you like to have a chat? Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by telephoning them?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
Flexible location
Visiting Befriender - Hertfordshire
Are you chatty and sociable? Do you live in Hertfordshire? Would you be willing to visit an older lonely person in your area once a week for just an hour?
Posted by Age UK HertfordshireLong term role · Flexible hours
From home
Befriending Volunteer
Completing regular keep in touch calls to local residents who are isolated or require additional support in some way.
Posted by Watford & Three Rivers TrustShort term role · 2 hrs/Week · Starting from 5 Sept 2022
From home
Let's Chat Telephone Befriending Service
Let’s Chat is a telephone support service, which provides regular calls and a friendly chat to people who are isolated. Be non judgemental, give encouragement
Posted by Communities 1stShort term role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Flexible location
Volunteer Befriender - Herts
Can you spare an hour a week to change an older person's life by visiting them? We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who can visit our clients.
Posted by Reach Out HertfordshireLong term role · 2—6 hrs/Week
Flexible location
Volunteer Driver.
Do you like driving? Do you like helping people? Could you be a Volunteer Driver for the North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport service?
Posted by North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport Service