This pilot project will combine our skills and experience of running befriending and transport services in East Kent into a new service offering personalised support to people with high needs and no support network who are likely to be the most isolated in our communities. We will recruit volunteers from their local community, give them training and support and match them with an older person with support needs for regular face to face and telephone contact. These 'super befrienders' will become a trusted ‘friend’ to: • transport them to and from medical appointments, staying to help them out in the medical centre where needed • or take them shopping if they can't use public transport or shop online and need assistance with their groceries • or take them to and from social activities to prevent loneliness and isolation Super befrienders will make sure they get home safely and that their home is a safe environment for them, connecting them to other support where needed.

What we'll deliver:

• 15 new super befrienders supporting people in their community
• 15 residents of Folkestone, Hythe and Dover being helped according to their need by a super befriender
• A service model to roll out to prevent people falling between gaps in service provision

Why it's a great idea:

Older and disabled people will be better supported, experience social connectedness and increased wellbeing. The power of volunteering will lead to a more connected community around the person, and in the local area. Volunteers will gain skills, experience and confidence to positively impact other areas of their life, leading to paid employment, more volunteering and improved wellbeing. Residents will be able to stay in their homes, living independently for longer. This project will support worried family members who work and are unable to take their parent to and from social clubs for much-needed social interaction. It will provide the support the older person needs to make sure their door is locked and they get inside their home safely. It will support people with limited mobility worried about managing on a state pension to shop at the budget supermarket. It will help the person who needs ‘a friend’ to accompany them to difficult medical appointments so they feel less alone.

Steps to get it done:

• Co-ordinator recruited
• Volunteers recruited and trained
• Project launched
• First Super-befriender match
• 15 Active Super-Befrienders

Through our much-loved Community Transport Service and accredited Good Neighbours befriending Service and general enquiries line, we hear stories from people who have higher needs, who may want a volunteer driver to take them into the hospital but who need help navigating the hospital and others who want a friend to sit with them in an an occasional difficult medical appointment. These are people whose friends or relatives live far away or work - or people who do not have these networks. We hear stories from people who want to get to a social club but can't get there independently - and the club doesn't provide transport - and who perhaps need help to get ready, find their keys, check they have locked the door etc. This pilot project is a way to plug those gaps in services and help people stay connected. And for volunteers who want to make a difference but visiting someone's home for a chat is not for them, this practical level of support will appeal.