Age UK Lindsey need Volunteer Befrienders

AGE UK Lindsey Befriending Service is specifically aimed at people over sixty who are at an increased risk of loneliness and social isolation. This could be due to reduced mobility, bereavement or lack of access to social activities. We aim to make later life a more enjoyable experience by addressing these issues, of which we have seen a huge increase in recent times. 

Having a Befriender can have a very positive impact on someone’s life and the support of our current team of volunteers is much appreciated by our clients and by us.  

Over the past months due to the Pandemic, we have received more referrals for our service than we have volunteers. While we as a Befriending Team try to fill in the gaps it is not always possible due to the numbers and as a result some older people can be on our list for some considerable time waiting for a match with a suitable volunteer. 

To become a volunteer, all we ask is for one to two hours per week of your time to contact someone who needs company. During Covid we had to revert to Telephone Befriending, however, slowly over the Autumn period some volunteers returned to face to face visiting. What volunteers decide to do is down to their own personal situation and of course the client’s needs. We are happy with telephone, face to face befriending or a mixture of the two. It’s still very important support and communication for those older peole. 

Our volunteers are not expected to do anything other than go along for a chat, have a cup of tea and maybe play some games. When the weather gets better and restrictions allow then going out for a coffee or accompanying your befriendee to an activity is possible. Again, this something to be decided between the volunteer and client at the time. 

If this is something you think you would like to do or require further information, please do contact Lin Wood, Befriending Co-Ordinator who would be more than happy to chat through the process of getting started and answer any questions. 

Linda.wood@ageuklindsey.co.uk   07818 818748