'Be a friend to those in need'

Jessica Howell is a member of Rotherham Befriending Service, run by the British Red Cross.

She said acting as a volunteer had been an "invaluable" experience and opened her eyes to other people's situations.

With loneliness becoming a major concern in Britain today - described by an Age UK report as being as harmful for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day - tackling the issue is as vital as ever.

Working in partnership with Voluntary Action Rotherham, the Befriending Service supports people with chronic illnesses and mental health conditions, and aims to engage and involve people in activities and events in their community. 

One man who has benefitted from the service described how he would "normally not turn up to appointments and would shy away from meetings and social events", but the service organised for him to visit a new activity group called Men in Sheds, which not only inspired him to keep going along but has turned him into a volunteer.

Jessica added that "volunteering opens yourself up to other people's problems, illnesses, challenges and differing family situations - and this takes you out of yourself".

She said: "Volunteering develops your own confidence and enhances new caring and people skills.

"It feels good to help others and makes you feel valued."

Jessica has worked with a range of different people during her time at the British Red Cross and has seen a dramatic improvement from all of the people under her care. 

She said other people considering volunteering should "go for it, you won't regret the decision". 

Statistics from the Befriending Service showed 82 per cent of the people helped had experienced positive changes in their health, lifestyle or confidence.

A spokeswoman said: "This is an amazing achievement and one which the team are looking to increase further through the recruitment of more volunteers.

"Full training is provided and there is so much more to take from volunteering than you might think, aside from the wealth of skills that you yourself stand to gain, you can really make a difference to somebody's day."

Judith Anne Hopkinson, one of the people befriended by Jessica, said: "I'd like to let other people know how good this service is, how they look after people, and how thoughtful they are."

Helping the Befriending Service can include anything from taking the time to sit and have a chat over a cup of tea to giving an afternoon to visit a craft workshop.

For further information on how to get involved, contact Janet Stocks on 0114 242 7376 or email [email protected].