Befriending

Befriending is when a volunteer visits an older person to chat, listen and become a friend in their own home.

At first contact a member of our team will visit the older person to ascertain hobbies and interests. Those with needs beyond Age UK Dacorum’s remit will be signposted to organisations who can help.

A volunteer with similar interests is matched. Volunteers will visit weekly to chat and socialise.

The service is free.

Maria, a volunteer befriender, explains how she regularly visits Barbara, how this benefits her and why the befriending scheme is so important.

Who is the service for?

We provide friendship and support for older people who are lonely, bereaved, isolated or housebound, to encourage social interaction and companionship. This makes a huge impact on their quality of life.

Referrals

Do you know someone who could benefit from our befriending service? Only individuals living on their own are eligible to be considered for our befriending service.

Referrals can be made from individuals, family friends, neighbours and professionals.

Call Age UK Dacorum’s Befriending Service at 01442 221001 or 01442 259049.

Who are our volunteers?

Our volunteers come from all walks of life but are all carefully selected and screened before they visit anyone (including a full police check). We always try to match our volunteers to older people who have similar interests and outlook. The same person will visit each time so that a trusting relationship can be built over time.

Befriending News

Lovely story about a 91-year-old @AgeUKDacorum volunteer who is only just retiring: https://t.co/xesEPxfZNt pic.twitter.com/UflULOp2IA
— The Gazette (@TheGazette_news) April 11, 2016

Take some time this weekend to brighten someone's day.
Thanks @AgeUKDacorum for the great work tackling #loneliness!#SpotlightOnLoneliness pic.twitter.com/YBtjNUKFzD
— WaveLength Charity (@WaveLengthHelp) March 31, 2017

Contact

To volunteer as a befriender, make a referral or for further information please contact:

Online	Contact Age UK Dacorum
Telephone	01442 221001 or 01442 259049
Email Sonali	ils.assist@ageukdacorum.org.uk

Susan has spent many weeks without seeing a soul in her 1-bedroom flat. Born in South London without children of her own, she lived with her disabled parents. Though they may have passed away many decades ago she still thinks of them everyday and talks to their photograph.

Now Susan gets regular visits from volunteers at Age UK. Susan is grateful for her visits and feels happy reliving a real conversation for many days afterwards.

Age UK Dacorum's Telephone Club and Befriending service offer the opportunity for anyone over 50 living alone to receive free calls and visits from our friendly volunteers and staff.

For more information contact us online or call us at 01442 259049.