A thank you to our befrienders

It’s National Befriending Week and we’d like to take the opportunity to thank all our befriending volunteers who have provided such amazing support to older people throughout the pandemic.

During the first three months of the pandemic, our befriending volunteers gave 1,300 hours of phone support to older people across Telford and Shropshire, as many of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s services were adapted to telephone support.

Lynn West, a volunteer befriender said: ‘I do like talking to people. The main thing is to be a good listener. Volunteering does me good too. I find that since losing my husband, I can understand some of what people tell me. We really relate, and understanding is key.’

In the summer, some of our befrienders started COVID-safe garden visits, which were a great success. The one to one personal contact gave older people a real boost, especially after such a long time without it. With the latest lockdown and further restrictions, these visits will not continue, but our befrienders will still be available by telephone.

Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: ‘We have had an outpouring of support for older people during the pandemic from our befriending volunteers, indeed all our volunteers have been amazing during this difficult time. On behalf of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin we thank every one of our volunteers for all their hard work and dedication; we simply could not do what we do without you.’

To find out more about Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s befriending services call us on 01743 233 123 and leave a message with your name and telephone number.