Befriending

BEFRIENDING PROJECT OUTLINE for Age Concern Peterborough (carried out within the boundaries of Peterborough Unitary Authority)

Befrienders : Volunteers working in our befriending schemes provide friendship and support for older people who feel lonely or isolated. They visit people in their own homes, normally once a week for around an hour. Care is taken to match the interests of both volunteer and client as far as possible. As with all our schemes, references including a CRB check are taken up for all potential volunteers.

Although some older people may have carers, or relatives who will pop in to see them and meet their external needs, for them to have someone to talk to and share hobbies and a cup of tea or a meal with, helps to overcome isolation and loneliness. “It’s just a terrific feeling knowing that you’ve made such a difference to someone’s life”. This quote was taken from an Age Concern volunteer.

How does it work? : The scheme is a free service, providing friendship to older people. The Co-ordinator, will visit the older person to explain the scheme and make a note of any particular interests using the Guidelines for Eligibility format.

Once a Befriending volunteer has been found, he or she will be introduced to the older person by their local Co-ordinator. The same volunteer will visit each week, so that in time a friendship is built up.

Who is referred to these schemes?
You can call and refer yourself
A relative or friend can call on your behalf
A health or social work professional can call for you
If you would like to be referred to the Befriending Service (or just want more information), or would like to volunteer, then all that is required is a call to the Co-ordinator

All Volunteers receive training before they make any visits and details of the kind of training can be seen on the sheets, Befriending Induction and Volunteer Training Checklist Befriending Service.

By supporting this service, your members will be pleased to know that the donation will directly benefit our Befriending service, which is entirely supported by volunteers. The service offers home visits and conversation to enable older people to maintain contact with the community, who otherwise would have very few opportunities for social interaction.

What are the costs?
In house Training to include : Induction : Introduction to Client
Administration (CRB check etc)= 3 hours @ £10.57 per hour £ 31. 71.

Annual Ongoing Support = 24 hours @ £10.57 per hour £253. 68.

Support Costs £105. 00.

Travel Expenses - say 35 miles per week x 30p per mile x 48 weeks £504. 00.

Total average running costs £894. 39.

Please let me know if you require any further information, or wish for expansion or clarification on any particular point.