Volunteers’ Week 2025 will run from Monday 2 June to Sunday 8 June and is a UK-wide celebration to recognize the contribution of volunteers. Volunteering is vital to all charities, and Good Companions is no exception.
Our team of enthusiastic volunteers are fundamental in enabling us to provide much-valued services aimed at reducing loneliness and isolation amongst residents of Clifton, Wilford and Silverdale. We run five weekly friendship groups and offer a home visiting scheme.
To kick-off Volunteers’ Week 2025 Good Companions had a stall at Clifton Library on Saturday 31st May. We answered questions and gave information to people about volunteering with us.
Good Companions was established in 2000 with 8 volunteers and one part time Co-ordinator. We now have around 40 volunteers, a management committee and four part-time staff.
Our volunteers tell us that they feel a sense of great satisfaction in supporting our service users and being part of a local charity.
Volunteer Christine D tells us: “Becoming a volunteer with Good Companions has been about getting to know my community, like spending time with an extended family, and being with friends where everyone is welcome.”
Volunteer Andrew B says: “I have always seen volunteering for Good Companions as a great honour… we give time and patience, with a cup of tea and a friendly smile. The fact that we may be the only friendly face that a person sees all week is never lost on me. I’m proud to represent Good Companions, I look forward to helping at the friendship group as I have the chance to start off our service users’ week with a happy couple of hours and send them home with a smile … and a full heart. My time volunteering fills mine.”
Volunteer Anna-Marie (photo above) says: “I started volunteering for Good Companions in 2020. I find it very satisfying and rewarding. It has been lovely to get to know the service users at the friendship groups. I have seen friendships develop between service users and this has been lovely to see as many were previously lonely. I also volunteer with the home visiting scheme and find this gratifying as we might be the only person they see all week. Also, I personally have made friends with some of the other volunteers.”
Volunteering can be a very rewarding experience. By helping to combat loneliness in our local community, you really can bring joy to someone’s day.
- Could you help us in making a positive difference to someone’s life?
- Do you have 2-3 hours to spare each week/month?
- Are you over 18, a good listener, patient, caring, friendly and with a heart for older people and reducing loneliness? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
We offer support, training and social events for our volunteers. To find out more call Sarah on 07743 561 092 or email [email protected].
Written by Sarah Cox, Operations Co-ordinator for Good Companions