Befriending Service
- Location: Age UK Oldham
- Price: Free
Please note, this service is not available outside Age UK Oldham - Head Office's catchment area.
Age UK Oldham
10 Church Lane
Oldham
Lancashire
OL1 3AN
United Kingdom
Email: maggie.hurley@ageukoldham.org.uk
Telephone: 0161 622 9252
Friendship and companionship for older people who live alone or who are housebound.
What we do
Our Befriending Service offers friendship and companionship to older people who live alone and feel lonely or isolated.
People can become isolated for a variety of reasons - ill health disability or social disadvantage - but here at Age UK Oldham we passionately believe that no one should have no one. Being matched with a volunteer befriender often fills a big gap.
Our scheme offers friendship and companionship through a registered volunteer befriender who is matched to the older person and visits each week. Together they can chat, enjoy a cup of tea, take a walk or visit shops, theatre or local events.
The results can be significant as befriending often provides people with a new direction in life, opens up a range of activities leading to increased self-esteem and self-confidence.
Sometimes finding a visitor can take some time, but our in-touch telephone service will provide a weekly call to keep us in touch with those people awaiting a volunteer befriender. A friendly call and chat will ensure regular contact until we match you with a new friend.
What do older people get from having a befriender?
• Interaction – overcomes the problem of loneliness and social isolation amongst older people
• Support – giving not just emotional support, volunteers can help in many ways including being able to pick up on any practical or health support needed.
• Friendship – we can be there for them when they have nobody else. Good company and support is important for anyone's wellbeing.
What do volunteers enjoy about being a befriender?
• Satisfaction – knowing you have made a difference to someone’s life
• Friendship – with both the person you visit and with other volunteers
• Valuable experience – for your work and life
• Full training – given by the service coordinator
• On-going support and guidance
Accessing this service
If you or someone you know would benefit from having a befriender visit, please download our Befriending Referral Form.
Contact
• Maggie Hurley - Volunteer and Community Services Manager
• Phone: 0161 622 9252 / 07827 498098
• Email: maggie.hurley@ageukoldham.org.uk
Get involved as a befriender
The Befriending Service provides company for older people who feel lonely and isolated in their own homes. The role includes:
• Visiting older people in their own homes/care home
• Talking about shared interests
• Advising people of opportunities to socialise
• Informing people of Age UK services that may be of interest to them
• If necessary, raising concerns about an older person's health and wellbeing
Location and times:
Because this service works with people in their own homes, visiting times can be arranged that suit both you and user.
Requirements:
• A DBS check must be completed, as volunteering for this service requires you to visit people in their own homes
• Complete befriending and safeguarding training
Please contact Maggie Hurley to enquire further.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/oldham/get-involved/volunteer/volunteering-opportunities/#befriender