Be-a-Friend
- Location: Age UK Wandsworth
- Price: Free
**We are not taking any new referrals to the Be-a-Friend Service at present (April 2024) due to a lack of available volunteers and the extremely high demand for this service. We will keep the website updated to ensure you are kept informed of any changes.** (Please note, this service is only available in the borough of Wandsworth).
Age UK Wandsworth
549 Old York Road
Wandsworth
London
SW18 1TQ
United Kingdom
Email: bah@ageukwandsworth.org.uk
Telephone: 0208 877 8940
Our long-running Be-a-Friend programme matches socially isolated older people with Age UK Wandsworth volunteers to provide regular companionship.
What does the service provide?
• Information and support
The project coordinator will first visit the older person to see what they want from the service and ensure they are receiving appropriate services. The coordinator will also make suggestions as to the range of local activities available.
• Be-a-Friend volunteers
The coordinator will personally introduce the older person to the volunteer. The same volunteer visits, usually each week, to develop a firm friendship. Volunteers will do what any friend might - have a chat over tea, share news, play cards or scrabble...
• Telephone Befriending
We have dedicated volunteers who make regular telephone calls to people known to the project who are not currently being visited.
• Greeting Card scheme
Birthdays and Christmas can be a very lonely time for many people. All Be-a-Friend customers get cards on these anniversaries.
Who is suitable for this service?
The person must be over 60 years old and live alone. Our customers have very few friends, if any, to spend time with them and are unable to get out without a great deal of assistance.
Who are the Be-a-Friend volunteers?
Our volunteers are carefully selected, police-checked and supported by the Be-a-Friend project. We are in close contact with our volunteers, and we ensure we are offering a good quality service for all our users. Our volunteers are caring and reliable people.
If this is a role you are interested in volunteering for, click the link below for information on how to apply.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/wandsworth/get-involved/volunteer/
How do I access the service?
Friends, family, neighbours or older people who would like to refer themselves can call 020 8877 8940, email bah@ageukwandsworth.org.uk, or pop into our office at 549 Old York Road, SW18 1TQ Monday-Thursday 10am-3pm.
If you are a health or social professional who would like to refer a client, please click the link below to visit our professional referrals page, where you will be able to download referral forms and access further information.
Do you know someone who needs a friend?
If you do, please call 020 8877 8940 or email bah@ageukwandsworth.org.uk.