Telephone Befriender

Remote opportunity

• 1-2 hours per week

Unlimited positions available

We’re looking for kind, compassionate people to help us launch our new telephone befriending service for people in Perth & Kinross living with sight or hearing loss. 

Volunteer Befrienders will offer regular, friendly phone calls to our service users who are feeling lonely or isolated. In this role you'll be:

• Making 1 call each week or fortnight (20–40 minutes) to an assigned VisionPK client. Each partnership will last 12 weeks (or longer, if you choose)!
• Offering an ear to listen, empathy and a friendly voice 
• Respecting confidentiality and maintain appropriate boundaries 
• Highlighting any concerns to the VisionPK team, particularly around wellbeing or safeguarding 

• Friendly and approachable, with good listening and communication skills 
• Patient, empathetic, and non-judgemental 
• Reliable and consistent in keeping to agreed call times 
• Understand the need for confidentiality and respectful communication 
• Willing to undertake training and follow VisionPK’s policies and procedures 
• Willingness to join the PVG scheme (VisionPK will support the application process, free of charge) 
• No experience needed as full training is provided

Loneliness can be incredibly isolating—especially for someone living with sight or hearing loss. A simple phone call might seem small, but to someone who rarely hears a friendly voice, it can mean everything.

By volunteering as a telephone befriender, you’re not just making a call—you’re offering connection, comfort, and companionship. You're helping someone feel seen, heard, and valued.

Many of our clients tell us that just knowing someone will check in with them makes their week feel brighter. It helps build confidence, reduce anxiety, and remind them that they’re not alone.

It’s not about having all the right words—it’s about simply being there.

In under an hour, from wherever you are, you can make a real, human difference.

All you need is a phone. We'll provide software that will connect you with your buddy and keep your number private.

We’re committed to making this volunteering opportunity accessible to everyone. If you have any specific requirements or would like to chat about how we can support you to take part, please don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’re happy to help.