Super befrienders to help older people

The local economy

This project sustained two real living wage jobs, which is good for the local economy. It also reintroduced isolated older people to their communities.

Volunteering, jobs & education

Our super befrienders Volunteers gave an average of two hours a week and our project ran for a year, so that's 1,560 amazing volunteer hours donated to this project to connect isolated older people with their community. Two part-time befriending Coordinator jobs were saved for staff to continue to assess and match isolated older people with volunteer befrienders - and to continue to recruit, train and support those volunteer befrienders. The difference they made continues to amaze us.

Activity, health and leisure

Our dedicated team of volunteers provide companionship that has even been described as ‘lifesaving’ by the people they visit. This simple act of friendship makes such a difference and we would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to all our amazing volunteers. and the difference they make. The simple act of giving their time to meet for a cuppa and a chat - and connecting and reconnecting them to their community - has led to so many other wonderful, life changing stories. Derek and Amanda (names changed) are a perfect example: Derek had become housebound and developed agoraphobia. He had struggled to visit his wife in a care home and was finding his home incredibly difficult to maintain. He also missed meeting up with friends in the community where previously he had enjoyed a coffee in a local café with friends. With the support of his volunteer, Amanda, he has been getting out and about again. He’s been out for coffee, visiting favourite local attractions, spending time with his wife and also he has been to look at a supported living placement where he would ideally like to move. Amanda has shared all this with us and social services are now helping to support Derek with his next steps.