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Our befriending service offers one-to-one telephone companionship, fostering supportive relationships. Our wonderful volunteer befrienders can also guide you to practical and emotional support resources available.
Every individual’s experience with cancer is different, with this service being available to inpatients, outpatients, carers as well as those who have completed treatment for cancer and are in need of essential human contact and friendship.
We sat down and spoke with both a volunteer befriender and a service user to highlight their experiences on the initiative.
Befriender – Zoe
Meet Zoe, a 23-year-old telephone befriender who initially joined the project as a university project placement. Three years later Zoe is still calling the same service user she met on day one.
What inspired you to join our volunteer befriender program?
I chose to volunteer with the Beatson Cancer Charity as part of my university placement as I have always admired their work and the services that they offer.
Living over an hour away from the Hospital Campus, the befriending service enables me to volunteer remotely and still be part of the Beatson community.
Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had while befriending?
I attended my first Beatson Blether back in April. After over two years volunteering, I was finally able to meet other befrienders and service users. It was great to be part of an amazing team of volunteers sharing stories and advice whilst also seeing the positive impact the service has on our service users. It was truly inspiring and made me proud to be part of this organisation.
How has being a befriender impacted your life personally?
I have spoken to the same service user since I first started befriending nearly 3 years ago. We lean on each other for support and have developed a friendship which is truly special. My service user has a positive energy and a kind, caring nature. She can support me as I support her.
What positive changes have you noticed in the service users you’ve supported?
My service user looks forward to our call every week. This is a time where she can talk about anything and not worry about upsetting anyone or being judged. By the end of our calls her mood has increased, and she has more energy to go on with her day. We have shared many laughs and a few tears. It’s one hour a week where we can take a break from life and have a chat about anything and everything.
What challenges have you encountered in your role as a befriender, and how have you overcome them?
One thing I find challenging is working with service users who are in pain and suffering. I sometimes feel helpless knowing I can’t do anything to prevent their pain. This is when talking to the supervisors, Paul and Marion can make a difference. They are always there to speak to after befriending calls and offer support.
What have you learned about yourself through this experience?
I have never met my service user, but we have a great friendship and support each other with anything that is going on. We have shared personal stories and have developed a deep connection solely through telephone communication. I have learned of the importance of communication and talking to someone whether this be in person or over the phone.
How do you feel being part of this community of volunteers?
I feel proud being part of the community at Beatson Cancer Charity. They do amazing work to support service users and their families. Their positive outlook is inspiring and gives me hope for the future of cancer research. It feels great to be part of a community that cares.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a befriender?
I would 100% recommend volunteering as a befriender. It is an extremely rewarding role which makes such a positive impact for both service users and befrienders.
Can you highlight any particular benefits or rewards that come with being a befriender?
I enjoy being part of the community which makes such a huge difference to people’s lives. Beatson Cancer Charity brings such positivity, love and hope to everyone they work with. I feel grateful to be a befriender of such an amazing organisation and I am excited about what’s to come in the future.
Client - Naomi
Meet Naomi, a remarkable individual with a diverse background of military service, and a career in forensic psychology. Naomi, aged 49, is a widow, facing a challenging diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer, which has spread to her lymph nodes and bones. While the treatment cannot cure her, it aims to manage the disease and prolong her life. Naomi remains determined and courageous.
Can you describe your experience with your befriender?
She is a delight to talk to, a great listener, funny, caring, and compassionate. I look forward to our talks, sometimes we talk about cancer, other times everything but. She lights up my life, nothing is off limits we literally talk about everything
How has having a befriender impacted your life?
Massively, especially through my dark days. I know I can discuss what I'm feeling with my befriender and things will be okay.
What are some positive changes you’ve noticed since being paired with a befriender?
I can feel lonely and a little lost being near housebound; I have physical disabilities that make getting out hard. My befriender is a bright spark amongst that, I know I have a friend for life.
How has your befriender helped you in your daily life or in dealing with specific challenges?
She helps calm me, rationalise things, appreciates and understands my worries and concerns.
What benefits have you experienced from having a befriender?
I was diagnosed with stage 4 Breast cancer; treatment will not cure me – my befriender makes me more confident in coping with the cancer and all it throws at me. I am happier in myself; I feel supported and capable of supporting someone in return too.
What would you say to someone considering joining this program as a service user?
Do it! You won't regret it.
You can find out more about our Befriending Service here
