Hathersage Befrienders was established in 2015 with the aim of relieving the isolation of vulnerable or elderly people in the area of Hathersage parish by establishing, maintaining and developing a visiting, befriending service to provide social contact and support.

A Strategy meeting took place for the Committee in April 2024 where the following vision was agreed:
“We believe that no-one living in Hathersage needs to be lonely. The aim of Hathersage Befrienders is to offer an inclusive volunteer befriending service that provides companionship which contributes to village life by fostering social connection and an even greater sense of community”.

Run entirely by volunteers, Hathersage Befrienders are advised and partially funded by Derbyshire Dales Council for Voluntary Service as well as being generously supported by numerous local groups. All visitor Friends are DBS checked and the befriending service is provided free of charge to residents of Hathersage.

At their recent AGM, Hathersage Befrienders highlighted their urgent need for new Volunteers, particularly for an Assistant Volunteer Co-ordinator and also in the areas of Marketing and Fundraising.

The new Assistant Volunteer Co-ordinator would work with the existing Co-ordinator to provide day-to-day support to Volunteers and Friends. Full support and training will be given and there is no obligation to commit to any number of hours – this is a very flexible and rewarding role.

Preparations have begun for the group’s 10-year anniversary celebrations. Therefore, the marketing role would be involved in planning and preparations for a celebratory event in 2025!

If you would like to know more about any of the roles – or the group – please do contact Julie Colley, Chairperson, Hathersage Befrienders on info@hathersagebefrienders.co.uk