Age UK Northumberland Launches New Befriending Project to Help Older People Reconnect with Their Communities

Age UK Northumberland Launches New Befriending Project to Help Older People Reconnect with Their Communities

Age UK Northumberland has launched a new project helping older people across the county overcome loneliness and social isolation, rebuild their confidence and reconnect with their communities, interests and the people around them.

The new Enabling Connections project, run by Age UK Northumberland, will provide short-term, personalised, face-to-face support for people aged 50+ across Northumberland who may have become less connected to their social networks or local community following a significant life change.

This could include experiencing bereavement, spending time in hospital, a change in routine or having loved ones move away.

Through the project, older people will be matched with a trained volunteer Befriender who will meet with them on a weekly basis for up to six months. Together, they will identify personal goals and break these down into small, manageable steps, helping individuals to gradually build their confidence and independence.

Whether that means meeting new people, attending a local activity or group, trying something new, learning digital skills or simply feeling more comfortable getting back out into the community, the aim is to help people feel connected and part of local life again.

Amy Whyte, CEO of Age UK Northumberland, explained “We know that loneliness and social isolation can have a significant impact on older people’s confidence and wellbeing. Enabling Connections is about much more than simply providing companionship - it’s about helping people take those first steps towards reconnecting with the things and people that matter to them.

“We are incredibly grateful that we can make this project possible and can reach more older people who may be struggling to reconnect with their communities, by giving them the encouragement and support they need to move forward.”

Could you become an Enabling Connections volunteer?

To deliver the project, Age UK Northumberland is now calling on friendly, reliable, focused and encouraging local people to volunteer as Befrienders.

Volunteers will be matched with an older person to provide weekly befriending sessions for up to six months. They will support their match to work towards agreed personal goals, helping them make small, achievable progress towards becoming more confident and connected.

Volunteers do not need previous experience of befriending or working with older people. Age UK Northumberland will provide full training, ongoing support, regular volunteer meetings and supervision, as well as reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

The charity is looking for people who are friendly and outgoing, patient and reassuring, committed, comfortable maintaining appropriate boundaries and able to commit to regular weekday volunteering. Ideally, volunteers will have basic IT skills and be able to travel by car or public transport.

In return, volunteers will have the opportunity to develop skills in active listening, relationship building and goal setting, meet new people and, most importantly, see the real difference their time can make to the confidence and wellbeing of an older person in their community.

Jill Lloyd, Head of Charitable Services at Age UK Northumberland, emphasised “This project is very different from our usual befriending activities, providing short-term support to help people meet their personal goals, whether that’s joining an exercise class, taking up a new hobby or taking their first step into a social group, it’s always easier doing it with a friend! “.

Age UK Northumberland is encouraging anyone interested in becoming an Enabling Connections Befriender to get in touch.

To find out more or volunteer:

Email - enablingconnections@ageuk-northumberland.org.uk
Call - 01670 784 800

More information about the project and volunteering can be found on the Age UK Northumberland website:
Enabling Connections – Befriending Service
Volunteering with Enabling Connections