Befriending

Email: enquiries@ageukstw.org.uk
Telephone: 01743 233 123

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin's befrienders and telephone buddies provide support to older people who may be experiencing loneliness and isolation.

Befriending home visits

Our volunteer befrienders visit on a regular basis to provide support to older people who may be experiencing loneliness and isolation. They do this in a number of ways:

• as a new friend, someone who listens, cares and gives you confidential support
• by providing regular contact and conversation
• by engaging in activities, maybe going for a walk, playing scrabble, watching a film or sharing hobbies
• by providing information about services provided by Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin and other organisations in your area.

Short term befriending

Our volunteers can accompany you to access social activities in your neighbourhood. It is often difficult to try new things at any age, but particularly if you have lost your confidence. You might want to try a local club or activity but the thought of going alone for the first time puts you off.

Our short term befrienders will accompany you to whatever activity, group or club that interests you; and they will continue to attend with you until you feel confident enough to go by yourself. The aim, after all, is to make new friendships.

Telephone buddies

Our telephone buddy volunteers provide a regular telephone call to older people who enjoy a friendly chat. The calls are usually weekly, and you normally get the same volunteer each week. All our volunteers enjoy sharing experiences and offering a supportive listening ear.