If you have a question about Tele Befriending, please look through our comprehensive list of frequently asked questions. Here you will find answers to the questions we are most commonly asked about Tele Befriending. If you can't find the answer to your question in this list, then please contact us by calling 0845 330 3723 or 020 7874 1303 or email talkandsupport@rnib.org.uk
Costs and joining
What does it cost?
Tele Befriending is a free service for adults with sight loss from across the UK. We pay for the cost of the calls too.
How do I join a Tele Befriending group?
For more information or to join a Tele Befriending group, please contact the Talk and Support team by calling 0845 330 3723 or 020 7874 1303 or email talkandsupport@rnib.org.uk
About the groups
When do the groups meet and for how long?
Over 100 Tele Befriending groups currently meet together over the telephone, once per week for 55 minutes. Groups run between 9.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
How many people will be in the group?
You can expect to be one of six people from across the UK meeting together each week as part of a telephone group. A trained volunteer will host the group.
What do Tele Befriending groups talk about?
Each of our 100 plus Tele Befriending groups is different. The groups are fun, friendly and informal and do not have a set agenda for discussion. Participants enjoy talking about everything from their families and current affairs to reminiscing and politics. As part of talking about their daily lives, participants do give each other encouragement and exchange useful information about living with sight loss.
I'm a quiet person; what if I don't have much to say?
All sorts of people and personalities take part in our Tele Befriending groups. We take this into account when matching people to a suitable group. Some participants prefer to take more of a back seat and enjoy listening to the conversation until they feel more comfortable and confident in the group. Others are naturally more chatty and might request to be part of a lively, boisterous group. The volunteer hosting the session will make sure that everyone has an opportunity to talk and feels comfortable to join in the group discussion.
What happens if I want to exchange telephone numbers or contact details with friends that I've made in my telephone group?
When you join a telephone group, your telephone number and contact details remain confidential. Once you get to know people in the group quite well, you may wish to exchange telephone numbers so that you can chat at other times. Exchange of contact details takes place outside of the group with the assistance of the Talk and Support team. Your personal contact details will never be shared with others without your permission.
What will happen if I can't attend my Tele Befriending group or need to take a break?
We realise that from time to time you may not be available to take part in your group or may wish to take a longer break. We ask that you let us know if you plan to be absent from your group, or would like to take a break of more than a few weeks. You are free to return to Tele Befriending at any time.
Forming the groups
How are participants matched to a Tele Befriending group?
When someone new joins Tele Befriending, we complete a telephone questionnaire with the person to find out about their interests and availability to take part in a group. Our priority is to match participants with a group that has like-minded people, perhaps of a similar age, interests and situation, rather than factors such as eye conditions, or where people live in the UK.
How long will if take to match me to a Tele Befriending group?
There is waiting list to join a Tele Befriending group. Depending upon your interests and availability, we will try our best to offer you a group within four weeks. If we are unable to find you a group straight away, we will regularly keep in touch to keep you updated.
What if I feel my telephone group is not quite right for me?
When you meet a group of new people for the first time it can take a little while until you feel confident and settle in to the group. For this reason, we ask all new participants to join a group for a trial period before deciding if Tele Befriending and your group are right for you. Participants can request to be re-matched to a different group at anytime.