The aim of the Befriending Service is to provide companionship and social contact to older people either living alone in their own home or who live in care homes and have either no or few visitors. Many older people feel isolated and lonely and we try to alleviate this loneliness by matching the older person with a carefully selected volunteer who agrees to visit on a regular basis, usually once a week for about an hour or two. We recruit volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life to support us in delivering our one-to-one support and befriending service.
Information for Service Users
What is befriending?
The befriending service involves matching older people who live alone with a volunteer who undertakes to give a minimum of 1 hour a week to the friendship. There is no cost for this service.
What benefit is such a friendship?
Through the friendship and support offered by the volunteer befriender, many older people have benefited from an improved quality of life and increased social input.
Who are our volunteers?
Volunteers are members of the public who have offered their time to Age Concern Hammersmith and Fulham. People of all ages from all walks of life become volunteers. What they have in common is a liking and respect for older people and a willingness to make a long term commitment. Volunteers are carefully selected and references taken up and all are supported by Age Concern Hammersmith and Fulham.
How does this service work?
We try to make sure that the befriender lives near to the older person and that they have a similar interest. Volunteers are introduced to the older person by the organiser.
What will we do together?
This will depend on the interests of yourself and the volunteer. As in all friendships both people come to an agreement as to what activities they want to do.
What volunteers cannot do?
Befrienders are not allowed to become involved in personal care, domestic tasks or financial/legal matters.
What happens if we are not compatible or problems arise?
Get in touch with the service organiser and express any problems or your concerns you may have. Sometimes problems do occur with friendships, do not worry.
What happens next?
The number of volunteers is often exceeded by demand for the service so there may be a delay in matching. When we identify a volunteer who may be suitable we will arrange an introductory meeting with you.
For more information about Age Concern Hammersmith and Fulham’s Befriending Scheme contact Rochelle Weale Volunteer Coordinator on 020 -7386 2650