Whether it happens to us or to someone we love, a life-threatening illness may be one of the most over-whelming experiences anyone can face. The Oxfordshire Befriending Network aims to improve the quality of life for those with a terminal diagnosis or life-threatening illness. The Befriending Network provides trained volunteers who offer practical and emotional support in the home, hospital or hospice.

One client who was helped by a volunteer at the network remarked: “We talk about everything. She knows more about me than my wife does.” Another said: “I have received support from many services since my diagnosis, but the support offered by The Oxfordshire Befriending Network is at a different level.”

Moira Dennison, the manager of the Oxfordshire Befriending Network says: “These are just two of the many comments from people who use our services, so we know that our volunteers make a huge impact.”

There are three main service strands that the network offers: befriending, advocacy and Counselling, and psychotherapy. The Befriending and Advocacy service welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds, with a minimum age of 18.

Ms Dennison said: “Our training programmes prepare volunteers for their roles, deepening their awareness and insight through exploration of the issues involved in living with a life-threatening illness. The training itself is a valuable and rewarding experience which we offer free to volunteers. In return we ask for a commitment of two to three hours a week for at least 12 months.”

Once the training has been completed and the volunteer is accepted as a Befriender or Advocate,he or she will be supervised by The Oxfordshire Befriending Network staff and join a monthly support group with fellow volunteers. “We feel strongly that the quality of support we offer is reflected in the quality of the service our volunteers give.”

The counselling service is provided by volunteers who are either qualified counsellors or who are working towards an accredited qualification. “However, here at The Oxfordshire Befriending Network we realise that not everyone wants to befriend, be an advocate or be a counsellor. Some people have other skills they want to use. So we are very pleased to announce new volunteering initiatives which increase the opportunities we are able to offer you."

You can volunteer to help us to fundraise — we have intern posts available as well as opportunities to do more localised community fundraising for us: You can volunteer to help us with our monthly newsletter; You can volunteer to help us research local grant making trusts; You can volunteer to help us by becoming a trustee. If you are interested in doing any of these things for the Oxfordshire Befriending Network , please email: enquiries@oxonbefriending.net for more information, or call: 01865 791781. The Oxfordshire Befriending Network is located at the East Oxford Community Centre, Princes Street, Oxford OX4 1DD.

To contribute to this column, contact Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action by email at voluntaryvoice@ocva.org.uk