The Link Visiting Scheme
About The Link Visiting Scheme
The Link Visiting Scheme was founded 25 years ago to help reduce loneliness amongst older people and to bring generations together in friendship and shared experiences. We offer one-to-one befriending, Friendship Groups, activities, events and long-term projects such as Community Kitchen and Link to Nature. We even provide fun and support on Christmas Day! We have seen the positive impact of friendship where we provide quality time, a listening ear and focused attention on individuals who so often feel invisible and forgotten.
“I don’t feel trapped inside anymore”
Our Mission is to reduce chronic loneliness and social isolation, to promote friendship and improve the health, wellbeing, and independence of Wokingham’s older residents. We celebrate and honour our Link Friends and offer a range of friendship services enabling them to establish new relationships and feel they can be an integral, important part of the community again. Through improving the lives of this frequently over-looked group of people, we also support carers, local health and public services and residents who serve as volunteers and so contribute to well-being of our wider community.
The Charity And Community Hub, Waterford House, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 2YF
Service Eligibility
The majority of those visited are older people but we take anyone from 60 years onwards. We visit those who are housebound, who live alone or with a partner and/or who are unable to attend group activities independently. For those who are able, we help to connect with local group activities that are of interest.
Before making a referral, please read our guidelines and our safeguarding statement, available via our website.
How to make a referral
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You can refer yourself to our scheme. If you’re a friend, neighbour or a professional working with someone who would benefit from using the scheme, you can refer them but make sure you’ve discussed it with them first.
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Fill in our online referral form.
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We will then either start looking for the right volunteer to link you to, based on factors like your location or your interests or help you connect with group activities that would suit you.
Information for Volunteers
Join our award-winning family
In 2021 we were delighted and honoured to be awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
We simply couldn’t do what we do without the amazing support of our volunteer family!
The Link Visiting Scheme is looking for volunteers to give an hour or so a week to make isolated older people in their community feel connected and valued.
“It’s a privilege to volunteer with the Link. It’s an enriching and humbling experience…and good fun!”
If you’re interested in volunteering with us and you live in Wokingham Borough or the surrounding area, please go to our website for more information and to request a volunteer pack. Next, you’ll meet our friendly Volunteer Coordinator who will guide you through our training session and will support you as we introduce you to your new friend.
More InformationAge Groups
Older People (65+)Themes
Dementia/memory loss, Mental Health, Older PeopleRegions
Country: England
South East 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