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Refer a Client – Befriender Service (Professionals Only)

Our Befriending Service supports older people experiencing social isolation and loneliness. Due to high demand and a reduced number of active volunteers, we have had to revise the referral criteria to ensure the service reaches those in greatest need. Referrals are now prioritised by level of need as outlined below:

Low Priority

  • Individuals who are able to access community activities, social groups, or church coffee mornings
  • Individuals receiving or who have recently completed support from services such as counselling or mental health support
  • Those who would like a befriender to accompany them to activities rather than needing in-home companionship

Medium Priority

  • Attend a Day Centre once a week
  • Receive daily visits from carers (1–2 times per day)
  • Live with a family member who is out during the day

High Priority

  • Confined to a chair or bed in their home
  • Have significant mobility issues that prevent them from leaving the house
  • Live alone with no family support
  • Are at increasing risk of falls
  • Have recently experienced a bereavement
  • Are receiving palliative care at home

Important Information Before You Refer

This is a volunteer-led service and cannot replace professional care or services that may be ending.

All referrals are assessed via a registration visit and risk assessment to determine if the match is appropriate and safe for a volunteer.

Age UK Kent Rivers has a duty of care to volunteers, and referrals that are not deemed suitable may be declined or returned to the referrer.

Referrals for Individuals with Dementia

We do not offer befriending support for individuals with a diagnosis or early signs of dementia.

However, Age UK Kent Rivers offers other services that may be suitable, including:

  • Homecare Services
  • Dementia Day Centres
  • Dementia Outreach Services

For more information, please call us on 01634 572616, email enquiries@ageukentrivers.org.uk or view the rest of Our Services here.

Professional Referral Form – Befriender Service

Section 1: Referrer Details

Organisation / Department:
Please confirm that by providing us with personal details, you have consent to do so:

Section 2: Client Overview – Health & Home Situation

Is the client able to access events on their own outside of their home? I.e. Shopping, attending appointments, social occasions, church events, etc.
What kind of support have you offered?
Do they currently have support in place for their personal care needs?

Important: The Befriender Service is supported by volunteers and does not include any personal care support. If your client requires assistance with personal care and does not have support in place, please refer to our Homecare Services here.

Do they have independent mobility within the home?

If the client is being referred by Community Mental Health or Counselling Services, please provide any information that may help us prepare a volunteer for the referral.

This might include (but is not limited to):

  • References to suicidal thoughts or ideation

  • Expressions of wanting to die

  • History of self-harm

  • Aggressive, inappropriate, or unpredictable behaviour

  • Mood swings or sudden changes in demeanour

  • Other relevant information related to the client’s mental health

Please note: This information will remain confidential and will not be shared directly with the volunteer. However, we use it to ensure volunteers are appropriately matched and adequately prepared to provide safe and effective support.

Section 3: Client Contact & Personal Details

Can the person reliably communicate over the phone (i.e., able to use and hear on a phone call)?

Due to increased demand and a reduction in available volunteers, we are currently prioritising referrals based on assessed need.

Please use the below section to provide any further relevant supporting information to assist us in this process. Referrals submitted without sufficient information may unfortunately be returned or declined.

Our Services Booklet

Download Our Services Booklet, which includes details of all the services we provide throughout Medway, Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley, Faversham and Sittingbourne. If you would prefer to receive a hard copy in the post, please call us on 01634 572616 or email us at enquiries@ageukkentrivers.org.uk.

Download Our Services Booklet