Could You Be A Befriender?

We’ve received the following from RRAVS:

The Befriending Scheme which has been running successfully in the Castle Point area has now been extended into the Rochford area.
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The scheme aims to provide volunteer Befrienders who will visit lonely and/or isolated people in their own home, for about an hour or more every week, to provide companionship and a listening ear. Some clients benefit from a chat over a cup of tea and for those who feel isolated and lack confidence to join new groups and clubs, our volunteers will be able to accompany them until they feel confident enough to go on their own. The scheme aims to develop the client?s confidence and encourage them to join other community groups by their Befriender where appropriate; thereby integrating them back into the community.
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Our Befriending Scheme is open to anyone 18+ that may be experiencing loneliness or isolation. This may be due to lack of work, recent bereavement, low-level mental ill health or a new mum who has no local friends. However, the majority of our clients are from the older age group. We have found that the Befriending Scheme has contributed to improving the health and well being of our clients as well as raising confidence and self esteem. It has also proved to be providing our Volunteers with a feeling of value and achievement. Our main referrals are through the GP surgeries and other health professionals that visit people at home or visit their surgery, but clients or their family can refer themselves by asking their GP to refer them on to the Befriending Scheme.
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RRAVS are promoting the Free service in the Rochford area either encouraging people to become a Volunteer or locating Clients. For more information please contact Sarah Withington on 01268 772796.