Mayoral seal of approval for befriending scheme

The mayor of Ross-on-Wye, Linden Delves, has visited staff, volunteers and clients involved in Age UK’s befriending scheme, which provides invaluable social contact for older people in the area. Ross’s library will provide the base for a drive for new volunteers, with befrienders being able to use rooms there to make weekly calls to isolated over 50’s.

The project ensures that lonely older people have a valued visit or phone call once a week from a befriender. Volunteers are matched with an isolated older person, usually someone whom they have something in common with, or a shared interest.

Caroline Savage, the charity’s Social Inclusion Service Manager, explained how essential volunteers are, “They really are the backbone of our befriending scheme. The demand for befriending is higher than ever since the Covid pandemic, and more participants are desperately needed. It’s a very rewarding role; many people describe the visits or calls they receive as the highlight of their week”.  

Linden Delves was struck by the value of the scheme in combatting the loneliness epidemic and commented, “It was fantastic to meet some of the clients that are supported by Age UK Wyvern, and it was great to see and hear about the difference that has been made to their lives. The volunteers are providing a vital lifeline to many residents in our community and I'm proud to support them." He chatted to Dennis, a user of the service, who told him, “I can’t say enough about what Age UK Wyvern have done for me. They have been fantastic”.

Research by Age UK showed that 270,000 older people in England regularly go a whole week without speaking to a friend or family member.  There’s a strong link between loneliness and poor health, with rates of heart disease, dementia and stroke all higher amongst people who describe themselves as lonely.

Sadly, the demand for Age UK’s befriending service is so great that the organisation struggles to recruit enough volunteers. The mayor made this plea: “I’d really urge anyone who could spare an hour a week to talk to an older person to get in touch with Age UK Wyvern. It could well change a life forever”.