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Close Encounters

Close Encounters, our latest project, is designed to improve quality of life for lonely and isolated older people in Portsmouth, Gosport and the surrounding areas. 

Our dedicated team meet with the older person on a one-to-one basis, discuss their wants and needs and develop a plan to reduce the persons loneliness. This could be in a range of different ways such as providing information on friendship groups and social activities close by, and even accompanying the older person to these places for a short while.

If you or somebody you know may be lonely and/or socially isolated please get in contact with our team. The service is completely free of charge.

This project has been fully funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. 

national lottery community fund grant

Services offered 

Information and Advice

We can provide information and advice on a range of subjects and help you find services to assist with practical tasks both in and outside the home. We can attend these information sessions with you or you can attend independently.

Advocacy

Our advocates can support you, give you self-confidence and be your voice. We take action to secure your rights, represent your interests, say what you want and obtain services you need.

Come Here And Talk (CHAT groups)

We offer opportunities to join a social group, which bring three our four befrienders together at a host's house. This can generate confidence and help you towards joining groups such as lunch clubs.

Befriending and Facilitated Support

If you are housebound and/or very lonely we can offer befriending or facilitated support tailored to your individual needs. This could be a visit on a one-to-one basis, a weekly phonecsall or accompanying you to an activity.

  • 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