Reconnect
- Location: Age UK South Gloucestershire
- Price: Free
Please note, this service is not available outside Age UK South Gloucestershire - Head Office's catchment area.
Age UK South Gloucestershire
67 High Street
Thornbury
BRISTOL
Avon
BS35 2AW
United Kingdom
The Reconnect service supports older people experiencing loneliness to help them to connect with new friends in their community
Reconnect
It is common and completely understandable to feel lonely as you get older. Family members might have moved out of the house or are far away. Perhaps friends or work colleagues have moved or drifted away. Even worse, maybe a loved one has passed away. Perhaps you've lost the confidence or motivation to do the things you used to enjoy doing or feel it is too late to go back or try something new. Most of us will feel lonely at some point in our lives. For many of us, particularly those in later life, loneliness can define our lives and significantly impact our well-being. However, at Age UK South Gloucestershire, we feel loneliness shouldn't be an accepted fact of later life.
We have several ways in which you can become reconnected with people:
- Befriending (Face to Face or Telephone)
- Reconnect (Face to Face or Telephone)
What does the service offer?
This new service is funded by a St Monica Trust Community Impact grant. Instead of being paired with a volunteer, you will be matched with another like-minded individual who has similar interests to you for social visits or outings. This could be for a regular cup of tea and a chat, or maybe you would like to attend an exercise class or club and would appreciate a friendly face to go with you.
It is a supportive and supported service, so all those involved go through an introduction programme and are supported with the initial introduction to their potential new friend. We know that it can take some confidence to meet new people, so we hope these sessions will help you feel at ease, and it covers some vital topics like boundaries and safeguarding to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe.
Our friendly team then checks in with you and your connection to offer information and support and, more importantly, to make sure all is going well. We also invite all of our participants to join us for events, which will enable you to meet others who have connected through the service.
You could be paired to meet someone in person, or if that feels daunting or unsuitable, then this could be a telephone service. This is also an option if you want to talk with someone before a face-to-face opportunity arises.
Who is the service for?
Anyone living in South Gloucestershire aged 50+ who feels lonely or socially isolated but has minimal support needs and is able to leave their home independently.
Who would you be paired with?
You will be paired with a like-minded individual in your area who is also lonely and looking to build new friendships. Due to the nature of the service, we can't guarantee a perfect connection, but we hope you will find a friend with whom you can socialise. If it doesn't work out for any reason, however, we are always happy to add you back to the database and look for a new connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do the services cost?
Free. There is no charge to join this service.
What if the match is unsuccessful?
We do our best to match you with someone with whom we think you have things in common and will be able to build a good connection; however, if this doesn't work out, then we will find you a new match.
How do I access the befriending service?
Contact us on 01454 411707 and select option 2 for Volunteering, Reconnect and Befriending. You can also send us an email at befriending@ageuksouthglos.org.uk
Contact Us
Or you can refer yourself or someone else to the service using one of our referral forms. Send the below form to befriending@ageuksouthglos.org.uk or freepost to:
Links to referral forms -
Freepost RTEX-ERLY-HUYS
Age UK South Gloucestershire
67 High Street
Thornbury
Bristol
BS35 2AW