Befriending
In 2007/08, 100% of clients surveyed were satisfied with the befriending services and said they would recommend them to others.
The ACIW befriending service supports older people over 50 years of age who are socially isolated or who lack confidence as a result of a recent life changing experience. There is no charge for this confidential service and volunteers visit clients on a mutually agreed basis, usually weekly or fortnightly.
*Due to funding restrictions, please contact ACIW for up to date information on this service.
We offer three types of befriending service. Our response time to requests for help will depend on us having a suitable volunteer in the client’s locality.
1-1 befriending – a suitable volunteer visits the client in their home. Activities may include chatting, reading, walking or trips out and are mutually agreed.
Telephone befriending – older people are telephoned weekly or fortnightly depending on need. This service offers social contact and provides clients with the opportunity to share any concerns they may have.
‘Circle of Friends’ telephone conference calls – a group of 6 people take part in a weekly chat together via a conference call over an eight week period. At the end of this time everyone meets up for tea and cakes so that they can put a face to a voice. Those wishing to can exchange telephone numbers so that they can keeping touch with their new friends.
All our volunteers have been interviewed, referenced, and carefully screened. The Befriending Development Officer will personally introduce the selected volunteer to clients using the service.
Cost
There is no charge for the service. However, clients may be asked to contribute towards transport costs if they are taken on long car trips.
What to do next
Phone us on 01983 525282 or email us. Befriending officer Gwen Glover will be pleased to give you further information.
Snapshot
A volunteer befriender was introduced to a lonely housebound man who had poor mobility. Unable to cook for himself, and not old enough to qualify for free homecare, he had been living on convenience meals. ACIW introduced the gentleman to a volunteer and they now enjoy a weekly lunch out together followed by a short drive. After an escorted visit to the chiropractor, arranged by the volunteer, the man’s mobility problems have eased and they now enjoy short walks on their outings. The volunteer befriender also helped her new friend to investigate affordable homecare.