Plea for volunteers

Age UK Wyvern has been forced to temporarily close its valuable befriending service to new clients due to a shortage of volunteers.  Age UK Wyvern, which operates throughout Herefordshire and South Worcestershire, is sending out a request for kind-hearted people who can spare an hour a week to phone or visit an isolated older person.

Caroline Savage from Age UK Wyvern commented, “We have a waiting list of 69 people who would love to receive a phone call or a visit from a friendly volunteer and urgently need more volunteers. No special expertise is required – just a willingness to chat to someone who doesn’t have much company”.

Barbara Tonkin from Ross-on-Wye has volunteered for the charity for over five years. As well as making a weekly phone call to a regular client she also rings people on the waiting list for a permanent befriender. She talked about this experience, “When I ring people waiting for a befriender, they are so pleased and even overwhelmed to know that they have not been forgotten”. She made this request for others to come forward: “Ringing someone for a chat makes a huge difference to their lives, far more than you might anticipate. I ring one lady every week and find it so rewarding building a friendship with her and knowing how much the calls mean to her. If you enjoy talking to people, I recommend you give befriending a go. It’s very flexible and you can fit it in around your life. The time of the call can vary from week to week to suit you”. 

One client, who’s been receiving a weekly phone call from an Age UK Wyvern volunteer for several years, is a great example of the benefits it can bring. “When I retired seven years ago the time could hang heavy on my hands,” he explained. “Now I know someone is going to ring me each week and wants to know what I’ve been doing. My befriender has helped me find things to make my life better. For instance, when I mentioned I wasn’t very good on computers, he suggested that I try a computer course. These days, I can use my laptop to get online”.

Volunteers are supported by Age UK Wyvern's co-ordinators, who support them if they have a problem or are worried about their client. Stephen, another volunteer from Ross, commented, “I’m used to working by myself, but befriending is different. I’m part of an Age UK Wyvern team and have got to know other volunteers. You always feel you’ve got support to back you up”.