Close Encounters

Age UK Portsmouth
The Bradbury Centre
16-18 Kingston Road
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 5RZ
United Kingdom

Email: close.encounters@ageukportsmouth.org.uk
Telephone: 02392 883522

Free practical support to reduce loneliness for older people in Portsmouth, Gosport and the surrounding area.

Close Encounters is a three-year project designed to improve quality of life for lonely and isolated people to help reduce the pressure on GP services which often provide support to regular callers who might find more personal benefit from local, social support.

Services we can offer

Information and Advice

Age UK Portsmouth provides an Information & Advice service, including Benefits and entitlements support. We will support you to find the right services for your needs both in and outside your home.
We will attend any information sessions with you, if you require, or you can choose to attend independently.

Advocacy

Gosport Voluntary Action supports advocacy needs. They will work with you to help build your self-confidence and will be your voice if you desire.

Advocacy is about taking action to secure your rights, representing your interests and saying what you want in order to obtain the services you need.

Come Here And Talk (CHAT groups)

Both charities offer you the opportunity to attend social and activity groups. These groups often bring small numbers of Close Encounters participants together for hobbies, sharing and relaxed chat. These activities help to rebuild your social confidence in a safe environment.

Facilitated Support and Befriending

There are two approaches to offering tailored support if you are perhaps unable to leave your bed or your home.

You can be supported to master your mobile phone and/or tablet so that doors and windows on
the world open for you. Or, if you prefer, we can offer a weekly social chat by telephone on a one-to-one basis.

Who we work with

Age UK Portsmouth works in partnership with a number of local organisations in order to deliver the Close Encounters service. Our main partner is Gosport Voluntary Action who provide older people’s services including advocacy, information, form filling and end-of-life planning.

Other partners include the University of Portsmouth and Age Concern Gosport.

How can I get help?

Referrals to Close Encounters can be made quickly and easily by completing a referral form. The project has been fully funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the service is provided completely free of charge to all users.

Who to contact in Portsmouth

Age UK Portsmouth
The Bradbury Centre
16-18 Kingston Road
Portsmouth PO1 5RZ

Telephone 023 9288 3522
Email close.encounters@ageukportsmouth.org.uk

Who to contact in Gosport

Gosport Voluntary Action
Martin Snape House
96 Pavilion Way
Gosport PO12 1FG

Telephone 023 9250 3871
Email homeserveadmin@gva.org.uk