Enabling Connections - Befriending Service
- Location: Age UK Northumberland
- Price: Free
Email: enablingconnections@ageuk-northumberland.org.uk
Telephone: 01670 784 800
A Befriending service offering short-term, face-to-face support for older people experiencing loneliness or isolation. Volunteers provide weekly companionship, helping build social connections and support personal goals.
How can Enabling Connections support me?
Here at Enabling Connections we can support you to:
* Set goals to rebuild confidence
* Meet new people
* Enjoy new experiences with the support of a friendly volunteer
* Learn digital skills to stay connected
* Feel part of local life again
Who is the service for?
This service is for older adults (50+) in Northumberland. Has a recent life change affected your daily life or routine? For example, a bereavement, hospital stay or loved ones moving away. Are you feeling less connected to your social network or local life? This service could help you.
People who would benefit from this service are:
* People looking to build new connections
* People who are wanting to get back out into their community
* People who would enjoy goal setting, and working towards achieving these goals
* Engage in up to 6 months of support
If you, or someone you know, would like to join this service please fill out the referral form or contact us directly on enablingconnections@ageuk-northumberland.org.uk.
Enabling Connections Referral Form
Volunteer with Enabling Connections
Are you interested in volunteering where you can support an older person in your community to access new activities? We are looking for friendly and reliable volunteers to get involved with Enabling Connections as a Befriending Volunteer.
What would I be doing as a Volunteer?
As a volunteer, you would be matched with an adult in our service. You would have weekly befriending sessions with older adults in the community for up to 6 months, supporting them to build confidence and access the community. You would support your match in breaking their personal goals down into small, weekly steps that feel safe and manageable.
Who are we looking for to Volunteer?
Friendly and outgoing: happy to engage with and talk to people.
Encouraging and patient: You know how to motivate someone when they feel nervous or stuck.
Focused: You can keep your weekly chats and outings centered around the goal you agreed on.
Reliable: You can show up consistently for the time your match is counting on you.
Good with boundaries: You understand the value of a short-term intervention and can help someone transition away from the service without creating dependency.
IT literate: to turn in weekly reports
Able to commute: driver/public transport
What support would I receive as a Volunteer?
There will be a full induction and training with ongoing support from the Enabling Connections Team. This includes regular Volunteer meetings and supervision, and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. You will join a great team and know that you are making a real difference in the lives of older people. You will be able to:
* See the real impact your support has on someone’s confidence and motivation
* Learn new skills in working within goals, active listening and relationship building
* Have flexible weekday volunteering hours
* Engage in reflective practice to build on your skill development
If you are interested, just fill in the form below or contact the Enabling Connections email on: enablingconnections@ageuk-northumberland.org.uk