Enabling Connections (Brent)
- Location: Age UK Hillingdon Harrow and Brent
- Price: Free
Email: enablingconnections@ageukhhb.org.uk
Telephone: 020 8756 4391
Empowering people 50+ who live in Harlesden, Brent to rebuild confidence and reconnect with their community.
Enabling Connections is a short-term, goal orientated face-to-face befriending service for people experiencing loneliness or isolation. Volunteers offer weekly companionship, helping you build social connections and work towards your personal goals.
Who is it for? Eligibility criteria
● Are aged 50+ and live in the London Borough of Brent
● Live alone or have limited support from family or friends
● Have limited social contact or feel lonely
●Are willing and able to set and work towards simple goals as part of a 6-month programme
How does it work?
1. In-home assessment: We will visit you at home to understand your needs
2. Collaborative goal setting: Together, we create a 6-week action plan
3. Volunteer matching: We will carefully match you with a trained volunteer based on shared interests, capabilities and personality.
4. Weekly action: The volunteer visits for 1–2 hours a week to help you take practical steps towards your goals.
5. Review and graduation: We review your progress every 6 weeks. After 6 months, you will complete the programme and move on to independent community activities.
What kind of goals do we support?
You lead the goals, and they are shaped around what matters to you and what will help you become more confident and independent. Examples include:
● Gaining confidence to leave the house for short walks
● Learning local public transport routes to reach a café, library or other local place
● Finding and attending a community group, lunch club or hobby class
● Using a tablet or smartphone to keep in touch with family
Why choose Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent?
● Friendly, local volunteers who want to help
● DBS checked and supported by our Community team
● We take time to match you with someone who suits your needs
● Trusted charity with decades of experience supporting older people
Get in touch
📞 020 8756 4391
🕘 Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.00pm
📧 enablingconnections@ageukhhb.org.uk
Please note: this service is only available in Harlesden, Brent.
FAQs
Is this a regular weekly service?
Yes. Once matched, the volunteer visits weekly for 1–2 hours to support you with practical steps towards your goals.
Is there a cost?
No - this service is completely free.
Who can use this service?
The service is for people aged 50+ who live Harlesden in the London Borough of Brent.
Can I request the same volunteer each time?
We try to offer continuity where possible, but it depends on availability.
Do I need a referral?
A referral form is available on request. To refer someone or find out more, please contact the Enabling Connections team by email at enablingconnections@ageukhhb.org.uk.
Other support you might find helpful
● Help at Home - help with cleaning, shopping, and other tasks
● Dementia Sitting Service - trusted respite for carers
● Homeshare - companionship and support in exchange for affordable accommodation
● Lasting Power of Attorney - plan ahead with help from our expert team