VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY- SUDBURY HUB

The Befriending Scheme supports vulnerable people by running HUB groups across the county. We are looking for volunteers who are willing to give some time to assist at the groups by befriending vulnerable people, running group activities, serving refreshments, helping set up for activities and clearing away at the end of a session. Our Sudbury Hub is popular, enjoys music and is a lively fun place to be.

It is important that our Hub volunteers are:-

Understanding and respectful of all who attend the HUB group

Mindful at all times of confidentiality for clients and other volunteers

Open to helping the Hub Area Co-Ordinator in running age appropriate activities

Encouraging, but respectful of a choice to refrain from taking part in activities

Patience in allowing sufficient time for clients with speech and language difficulties to verbally express themselves

Value our clients’ knowledge, experiences and opinions

Assist the Area Hub Co-Ordinator, when able, with fundraising/promotional events

Report any concerns to the Area Hub Co-Ordinator regarding clients/volunteers/other matters asap

Feel able to share ideas with the Area Hub Co-Ordinator for future activities/events

Attend the volunteer meetings, and give appropriate feedback to the AC

Attend training events/updates as and when able

Ensure the claiming of expenses is carried out on a regular monthly basis

Hub days are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the groups run from 10am-3pm.

Please call 01787 371333 or e-mail info@thebefriendingscheme.org.uk for a volunteer expression of interest form.

Read our Annual Report

Our Annual Report 2017/2018 is now available to read online!

You can now read our AR right here on the TBS website. It’s available publicly, so simply click here to go to the report.

To view the report fullscreen, click the fullscreen icon in the bottom right of the viewer.

Listen to an interview with our CEO

Did you catch our CEO Shirley Moore on BBC Radio Suffolk on Sunday?

Listen to her chat with Lesley Dolphin on catch-up about how The Befriending Scheme got off the ground, what goes on our at our Hub groups and how vital our services remain. Shirley starts at 40 mins. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06fv9yt

Party in the Park 2018

Only 2 days until Party in the Park 2018! Here's a programme of all of the acts that will be performing on The Befriending Scheme's Acoustic Stage!

Acts Aimee Heloise Sheppard and Serena Grant kicking off the day's sets.

Closely followed by singers Matt Buckle, Chloe Hawes, TBS All Stars, and Kyle Toolan.

The Acoustic stage will also be brought to an end by Gen Irving, Alicia Hall and Ben Smith.

Party in the Park will be on from 11:00am till 9:00pm on Sunday 22nd July 2018. There will be fun-filled activities for all the family, and a bar for the adults! Pop along and come say 'Hi!' to our friendly team of staff hanging out by The Befriending Scheme stall.

Breathing Space sessions in Ipswich and Newmarket

Come along to our fortnightly groups in Newmarket and Ipswich! Give yourself a chance to wind down from a hectic month, or just come along for a chat and a cuppa.

Our FREE sessions give you the chance to widen your circle, and step out of your comfort zone- meeting new people and gaining valuable insight in to local organisations, while also offering support and advice. (You also get yummy snacks and refreshments too!)

If you'd like to come along to one of our Breathing Space groups, give Cat a call on 07722407185, or e-mail info@thebefriendingscheme.org.uk

Andrew Coffey's story

This is Andrew Coffey, who we met through our Breathing Space group in Gorleston.

Andrew has been an artist all his life, portraying his work in painting, photography and other media.

Andrew and his wife approached us at the group, and told us all about his life. He used to produce portraits on the sea front for many years, and is now an Octogenarian!

He has never had an exhibition of his work .. and asked if there was any way we could help him to achieve this goal now.

We gave him details about the Art of Norwich Exhibition taking place at the moment in Norwich. This is a regular event and has a strong turn out both for participants and audience.

Andrew and his wife arranged to take part and have two walls of photographs currently displayed. He absolutely loved the whole process of preparing for it and hopes to take part in future ones.

Andrew produces images of scenery and portraits and has a great eye for composition and catching the essence of a scene. Looking at the images he has displayed at the exhibition really make you want to rush off to the beach for a summer holiday!