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Enabling Connections

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Helping you take your next step 

Sometimes life changes and it can become harder to get out, meet people or feel connected to your local community. 

Enabling Connections provides short-term, one-to-one support for older people who are experiencing loneliness or social isolation and would like some help to reconnect. 

With the support of a trained Friendship Companion, you'll have the opportunity to work towards a personal goal that matters to you – whether that's getting out for a walk, trying a new activity, visiting a local group or building your confidence to reconnect with your community.  

The programme provides support for up to six months, with the aim of helping you build the confidence, connections and skills you need to continue independently. 

What could Enabling Connections help me with? 

Your goal is up to you. You might want to: 

  • Get out and about more 
  • Try a new activity or hobby 
  • Meet new people 
  • Find a local group or activity 
  • Reconnect with your community 
  • Build confidence after a period of change 
  • Get back to something you used to enjoy 

You don't need to know exactly what your goal will be before you get in touch. We'll talk with you about what matters to you and help you decide what you'd like to work towards. 

How does it work? 

  1. Have a chat
    We'll talk to you about your circumstances, interests and what you'd like to change. 

  1. Choose a goal
    Together, you'll identify something that matters to you and that you'd like to work towards. 

  1. Meet your Friendship Companion
    You'll be introduced to a trained volunteer who will provide one-to-one support and encouragement. 

  1. Take your next step
    Your Friendship Companion will help you explore opportunities and build your confidence to take those steps yourself. 

  1. Build confidence for the future
    The programme is designed to help you develop connections and confidence that can continue after your support comes to an end. 

Who is Enabling Connections for? 

Enabling Connections is for older people living in the Bradford District who are experiencing loneliness or social isolation and would benefit from some short-term, focused support. This might be following a period of illness, bereavement, retirement, moving home, changes in mobility or independence, or simply losing touch with people and activities they used to enjoy. 

Most importantly, you should be interested in making a change and willing to work towards a personal goal. You don't have to do it alone - we're here to help you take the next step. 

How can I get support? 

You can contact Age UK Bradford District directly to find out more about Enabling Connections. 

You can also be referred by a professional, such as a social prescriber, GP, social worker, health professional or community organisation. 

A family member or friend can also contact us on your behalf, with your consent. 

To find out more, please contact us: 

📞 01274 391190

✉️ info@ageukbd.org.uk

Getting Involved 

Could you become a Friendship Companion? 

We're looking for friendly, reliable volunteers who would enjoy supporting an older person to take their next step. 

As a Friendship Companion, you'll provide practical encouragement and support, helping someone work towards their personal goal and discover opportunities to reconnect with their community. 

This is a structured, short-term volunteering role rather than traditional long-term befriending. You could support someone for up to six months, helping them build confidence and connections that can continue beyond the programme. 

You don't need to be an expert. We're looking for people who: 

  • Enjoy meeting and talking to people 
  • Are good listeners and patient 
  • Can encourage others without taking over 
  • Are reliable and committed 
  • Have an interest in their local community 
  • Want to make a tangible difference to someone's life 

We'll provide training, guidance and ongoing support. 

Interested in becoming a Friendship Companion?

Volunteer with us

How can I refer someone to Enabling Connections? 

If you work with older people and know someone who may benefit from Enabling Connections, we'd be happy to discuss whether the programme could be suitable. 

We welcome referrals from: 

  • Social Prescribing Link Workers 
  • GPs and primary care services 
  • Health and social care professionals 
  • Community nurses 
  • Hospital discharge teams 
  • Social workers 
  • Housing providers 
  • Bereavement services 
  • Voluntary and community organisations 

The person being referred must be interested in receiving support and consent to their details being shared with us. 

Want to make a referral or find out more? 

  
      Download our referral form

Or contact us on: 

01274 391190

info@ageukbd.org.uk  

Whether you're looking to reconnect yourself, supporting someone you care about, or working with an older person who could benefit from some extra encouragement, Enabling Connections can help turn that first step into something more.