Age Concern throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire

Our Befriending service is delivered by a team of volunteers who are all reliable, caring people who have a little time to spare, and who have some understanding of the causes of social isolation and its effects. All volunteers are carefully checked before being matched with a client.

Our volunteers aim to encourage the person they befriend to maintain and develop skills and interests and to take part in local activities. They may also:-

• Help with shopping
• Accompany the client on short walks or outings
• Take Afternoon Tea with the client
• Play cards or games …
• or simply engage in stimulating conversation.

Volunteers for this particular service are not, however, able to carry out any personal care issues. (e.g. Bathing, toileting etc.)

Volunteer 'befrienders' are normally available during the day and sometimes the early evening, days and times are arranged mutually between the volunteer and the client. There is no charge for this service.  

The service is reviewed after six weeks contact with the client and then at regular intervals in order to monitor any changes in the needs of both the befriender and the person they are befriending. On occasion, if appropriate, as, for example, the client becomes better able to manage unsupported, the service can be withdrawn.

Referrals for the service can be made to us from a variety of sources:-

• Health and Social Care Professionals
• Family Friends & Neighbours …
• and through self-referral.

For further information, to ask about the availability of a volunteer, to offer yourself as a volunteer [a service such as this is totally dependent on the willingness of volunteers to come forward], or to make a referral, please  contact Sue Wilkes by:

 Phone on: 01527 871840

Fax on: 01527 880044

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