Age UK South Gloucestershire
About Age UK South Gloucestershire
Age UK South Gloucestershire’s Befriending is a free service is for anyone in the region aged 50+ who is feeling lonely or isolated. A friendly volunteer will visit weekly, for around 1hr. There is no limit on how long the relationship lasts, and many of our pairs have been together for years. Visits take place in the home or in the community (e.g. coffee morning or short walk). During a home visit, you can have a good chat, play games like Scrabble, do crosswords, reminisce, watch and discuss what’s on the TV. Anything that is of interest. We also offer local telephone befriending if preferred. Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds. They are DBS checked, trained, and appreciate the difficulties that loneliness can bring.
Thornbury, England, BS35 2AW
Service Eligibility
To be supported by the Befriending service, people must be aged over 50 and living in South Gloucestershire. We are unable to support those living in a care home. We can accept self referrals, or agency referrals and the service can be discussed before the referral is made to make sure that it is appropriate. A referral form can be obtained by contacting a member of the team via befriending@ageuksouthglos.org.uk or on 01454 411 707.
Information for Volunteers
Our Befriending volunteers provide companionship to older people in South Gloucestershire through regular visits or telephone calls. All volunteers undergo a full recruitment process including references, DBS and induction. Volunteers keep the team up to date by providing monthly activity logs and are invited to regular training updates & social events. The role could involve calling a client each week to check in them or going to their house for a cup of tea and a chat, share a hobby or a short walk. Volunteers visit in the day, evenings, or at weekends. Feeling lonely can happen at any time of day. The majority of our clients are looking for daytime visits, but we can accommodate other times as well. If you work shifts or irregular hours, we can accommodate your availability. To apply, email volunteering@ageuksouthglos.org.uk to request an application pack
More InformationAge Groups
Adults (25-65)Themes
Older PeopleRegions
Country: England
South West EnglandOther 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