Our Befriending and Re-ablement service has been operating for three years in Sefton and has quickly been established as a premier service for helping older people increase their independence, improve their confidence and overcome loneliness. We have just been granted Approved Provider Standard by the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation as a mark of the superb quality of our service.
Our summer message for anyone thinking of becoming a volunteer Befriender is to bring a little sunshine into someone’s life. Being lonely can really dampen a person’s spirit. Our volunteers brighten up their client’s day and are very special to them.
During their time together each week, our volunteers and clients can do anything they would like to do. Some have a chat and a cuppa, others go along to our Companions social groups either in Southport, Maghull or Bootle and some enjoy a short walk to the park. We only ask for an hour or two to spare. The companionship befriending provides really does brighten up someone’s day. We would love anyone who feels they are able to bring some sunshine to get in touch.
When speaking about the service, one of our existing Befrienders said: “As a society, we have a responsibility to look after and support our senior citizens – it is in fact, being age concerned.
My favourite part of volunteering is having a connection with someone else. We have a lot in common and I enjoy listening to them – I’ve gained a lot of knowledge that I didn’t have before helping them.
It started off when I was younger, we lived with a lot of elderly people, so that’s enhanced my life and I’ve gained so much from being around people of that age group. I think finding time to provide companionship to elderly relatives in today’s busy schedules is difficult for a lot of younger people– any time, no matter how little, can make a difference
It’s a very rewarding role. You gain a lot more than you give and it’ll bring something special to someone’s life. Don’t think about it, just do it”
This volunteer Befriender meets the client for a trip to town every week and a look at a few different cafes for a change of scene; they both have a great deal in common as they both worked in similar areas of business and have a passion for local history. The client really appreciates and values the companionship which has been forged and looks forward to the weekly catch up and chat.
To become a volunteer Befriender or for information on volunteering please call Lauren on 01704 516 574. If you or a family member or friend would like to access the service for support in many different areas including Befriending please do give us a call on 01704 542 993 (press option 4 when asked). You can also pop into our Sefton office at 8 – 10 Hoghton Street, Southport or you can also look at our website: www.ageconcernliverpoolandsefton.org.uk.
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