Southern Befrienders
About Southern Befrienders
Southern Befrienders provides one-to-one companionship to older people who would like extra social contact through a weekly volunteer visit or telephone call.
The service aims to alleviate the negative impact of loneliness on mental, emotional, and physical health, and enable older people to live independently in their own home for as long as possible. Volunteers are vetted and trained by professional staff. If the older person’s needs change, the Scheme Coordinator will discuss this with him/her and adapt the service provided appropriately.
Service Eligibility
For anyone who is over 60 and has limited social contact or feels particularly isolated and lonely.
What support do volunteer befrienders provide:
- One-to-one companionship by visiting or phoning at least once a week.
- Provide unlimited practical support where necessary and appropriate.
- Volunteers cannot provide home help or personal care.
- All our volunteers undertake a DBS (police) check and two references and are supported by experienced staff.
Age Groups
Older Adults (65+)Themes
Older PeopleRegions
Other Information
Type of Befriending: Distance befriending including telephone, video call, letter writing or other means, Face to face befriending which takes place in the home or community
Who can refer: Self Referrals Accepted, Friends & Family Referrals Accepted, Professional Referrals Accepted