Together Talks

Who we are

I’d like to say thank you for the opportunity to tell you about the Re-Launch of the Together Talks Telephone Befriending service. This is a multi-agency initiative being hosted by the Bridge Project and we are looking for people who would like to join us as volunteer ‘Befrienders’ in helping to provide support to as many people as possible to deliver this district wide Telephone Befriending Service. Telephone Befriending is a vital opportunity to engage with another person and provide companionship through conversation. Research has shown that it helps reduce feelings of loneliness and increase personal wellbeing. Telephone Befriending is a voluntary, mutually beneficial relationship in which the Befriender gives their time to support and encourage someone (the Befriendee).

The service is supported by a friendly, dedicated, and professional team called the Together Talks Support Team. We have produced a suite of online training modules, key documents, processes, and a Befrienders Handbook that will guide the volunteers through an induction and prepare them for their work as a Volunteer Telephone Befriender. Regular guidance is provided via Teams/Zoom meetings and telephone catch ups with the Together Talks Support Team.

Volunteers (Befrienders) can be nationwide as this is volunteering on the telephone.

Our culture and values

Our mission is to empower people experiencing multiple barriers to achieve positive change

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Our Values

Bridge is a value driven organisation. These strong values are at the heart of all we do as we believe in people’s ability to change and their right to high quality services:

• Integrity —always doing the right thing.
• Compassion —not judging the people who use our services, responding to them with kindness and understanding.
• Empowerment enabling people to achieve their full potential
• Equitable respecting each person’s uniqueness and treating them fairly
• Ambition —striving for excellence
• Sustainable —ensuring we are in for the long haul
• Boldness —willingness to take calculated risks and having courage to face challenges