Befriending Service
A small amount of regular contact can make a big difference.
The Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group Befriending Service helps people living with or caring for someone with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia and Long Covid to build connection and reduce isolation.
Our Befriending Service connects people living with or caring for someone with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia or Long Covid with trained volunteers for regular, friendly conversation and companionship.
Whether you'd like some more social connection in your life or you'd like to volunteer as a befriender, we'd love to hear from you.
Looking for a befriender?
If you're feeling lonely or isolated, or would simply like someone to talk to regularly, our befriending service could be for you.
Become a befriender
We're also looking for friendly, reliable volunteers who would like to give some regular time to help someone feel more connected.
You'll find more information about both options below, including details of how to register your interest.
Feeling lonely or isolated?
Living with or caring for someone with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia or Long Covid can sometimes make it harder to stay connected with other people.
When your energy is limited or your health is unpredictable, or caring responsibilities make it harder to find time for yourself, getting out and about, maintaining friendships and taking part in activities can become difficult or not possible. Over time, this can leave people feeling lonely, isolated or disconnected.
Our Befriending Service provides friendly, regular contact for members who would like some more social connection in their lives.
A friendly person to talk to
Befriending is about conversation, companionship and connection.
You'll be matched with a trained volunteer befriender who will take an interest in you and spend time talking with you on a regular basis.
You might chat about:
your hobbies and interests
books, music, films or television
pets, gardening, cooking or other things you enjoy
what's been happening in your week
things you're looking forward to
everyday life.
You don't have to talk about your health unless you want to.
Sometimes, having someone who will listen, take an interest and get in touch regularly can make a real difference.
How does it work?
1. Register your interest
If you think befriending might be helpful, please complete our short registration of interest form.
The form will ask a few questions about you, your interests, how you'd prefer to communicate and what type of contact would feel manageable.
If you'd like to talk to us before completing the form, that's absolutely fine - please get in touch and we'll be happy to answer any questions.
2. We'll find out what might work for you
Once we've received your form, we'll talk to you about what you're looking for and what might work well for you.
We understand that ME/CFS, fibromyalgia and Long Covid can fluctuate, so we'll take your energy levels and accessibility needs into account.
3. We'll match you with a volunteer
We'll try to find a befriender who is a good fit based on your interests, preferences and circumstances.
4. Start getting to know each other
Your befriender will make contact and you'll have the opportunity to get to know each other.
You'll agree how and when you will normally keep in touch.
Contact may be by telephone, online or, where appropriate, in person.
5. We'll keep in touch
The Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group team will remain available to support the befriending relationship.
If something isn't working, you have concerns, or you simply want to talk something through, you can contact us.
Who is befriending for?
Our befriending service is for Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group members who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation or reduced social contact.
You don't have to be completely isolated or be struggling with a particular problem.
You might simply:
miss having someone to talk to
spend a lot of time at home
have lost social connections because of your health
find it difficult or not possible to get out and meet people
have had to give up activities or interests you used to enjoy
feel that you'd benefit from having regular social contact.
You don't need to justify why you'd like a befriender. If you'd like some more connection in your life, we'd encourage you to get in touch.
What befriending is – and isn't
Befriending is:
Listening - Someone who takes an interest in you and gives you space to talk.
Companionship - Regular contact with someone you can chat to and share interests with.
Connection - An opportunity to feel more connected and less alone.
Flexible - We understand that your health and energy can change from day to day.
Befriending isn't:
A befriender isn't a counsellor, therapist, healthcare professional or benefits adviser.
They can't provide:
counselling or therapy
medical or health advice
benefits or financial advice
personal care
transport
advocacy or representation
emergency or crisis support.
Your befriender will also have their own commitments and won't be available 24 hours a day.
If you need specialist or professional support, we can help you identify appropriate sources of help.
What if I have a bad health day?
That's completely okay.
We know that symptoms can fluctuate. You might arrange to speak to your befriender and then find that you don't have the energy when the time comes.
You won't be judged for cancelling or changing plans because you're unwell.
Just let your befriender know when you can, and you can arrange another time if appropriate.
Our aim is for befriending to be supportive rather than another thing you have to manage.
What if I don't get on with my befriender?
Not every match will be right, and that's okay.
If you don't feel comfortable with your befriender or feel that the arrangement isn't working for you, please talk to the Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group team.
We'll listen to your concerns and consider what might work better.
You won't be expected to continue with an arrangement that isn't right for you.
Is befriending confidential?
We want you to feel comfortable talking to your befriender and your privacy will be respected.
However, confidentiality has limits.
If your befriender is concerned about your safety, or the safety of someone else, they may need to share information with the Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group team so that appropriate support can be considered.
Your befriender will not be expected to keep information secret where someone may be at risk of harm.
Interested in having a befriender?
If you'd like to find out more, we'd love to hear from you.
You don't have to decide straight away. You can have an informal conversation with us, ask questions and find out whether befriending feels right for you.
Become a Befriender
Would you like to help someone feel less alone?
We're also looking for volunteers who would like to become Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group befrienders.
You don't need professional counselling or healthcare experience. What matters most is that you're friendly, reliable, a good listener and able to make a regular commitment.
We'll provide training, guidance and ongoing support.
