Be more than a volunteer —

be a YOPEY Befriender

Are you aged 16 to 24? Want to make a real difference in someone’s life — and your own?

Become a YOPEY Befriender – whether an Independent YOPEY Befriender or a Partnership YOPEY Befriender – and help tackle loneliness among older people in care homes while gaining valuable skills and experience for your future.

What is a YOPEY Befriender?

YOPEY Befrienders are young volunteers who regularly visit care home residents to provide companionship, conversation, and connection. Many of the older people you’ll meet are isolated or living with dementia — your time and attention can brighten their day and give them something to look forward to.

It’s simple: you chat, listen, laugh, and learn from each other. Just being there makes a huge difference.

Why get involved?

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Make a real difference

You’ll bring joy and friendship to someone who truly needs it. Your visits can help reduce loneliness, boost confidence, and improve mental wellbeing — for both of you.

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Build skills for life

From communication and empathy to confidence and resilience, you’ll develop powerful personal and professional skills that universities and employers love.

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Be part of a movement

Join a growing network of young people making the world a kinder, more connected place — one conversation at a time.

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Boost your CV or UCAS application

By submitting visit reports on your yopeybefriender.org profile, you will be building your Record of Volunteering Achievement. We will award you digital badges and may present you with certificates that can make your application for university, college, apprenticeships, or jobs stand out.

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Explore future careers

Interested in medicine, psychology, social care, education, or community work? This is hands-on, real-world experience that can help shape your career path. Or just become a YOPEY Befriender – Independent or Partnership – because you believe it is the right thing to do and you want to give back to the community.

What you'll do

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Visit a local care home as often as you can

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Chat with residents, share stories, play games, or just be a friendly presence

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Report back to YOPEY to help track the positive impact you’re making

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Get support from the YOPEY team

How much time does it take?

1- 2 hours a week

can change a life. Many YOPEY Befrienders say their visits become the highlight of their week.

Hear from other YOPEY Befrienders

“Volunteering as a YOPEY Befriender was the most rewarding thing I did in sixth form. I didn’t just help others — I learned so much about myself.”

— Emma, 17

“I was nervous at first,. Now I look forward to every visit. It’s honestly changed how I see older people.”

— Kieran, 19

“Volunteering as a YOPEY Befriender was the most rewarding thing I did in sixth form. I didn’t just help others — I learned so much about myself.”

— Emma, 17

“I was nervous at first,. Now I look forward to every visit. It’s honestly changed how I see older people.”

— Kieran, 19

Ready to make a difference?

Volunteering with YOPEY is easy to start and hugely rewarding. We’ll guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for a way to give back, boost your CV, or simply want to do something meaningful — this is your chance.

Apply now