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BEFRIENDING
Sally, who recently completed her degree was a regular befriender for us. Daisy started work at 14 when she worked 15 hours per day and is still regularly telephoning clients after being a visiting befriender for many years. The aim of the Befriending Scheme is to enhance the quality of life, and alleviate social isolation by fulfilling emotional needs, contributing to the maintenance of mental health and preventing deterioration of the person. This is achieved by giving the older person undivided attention with emphasis on listening to them. The criteria for 'older person' is someone over 60 years of age, living alone, lonely, with little social contact, and who finds it difficult to get out of their home. How the Befriending Scheme WorksAge Concern Bucks receive referrals from Social Services, relatives, Health Visitors, Doctors,Nurses, or anyone in contact with an older person who is aware their circumstances fit the criteria. All referees are asked to check first with the older person (client) that they would like someone to visit them regularly. After receiving the referral, the Age Concern organiser will contact the client to arrange a visit. As long as the client is appropriate for the scheme the organiser will endeavour to introduce them to a volunteer. All volunteers are interviewed and references received before joining our organisation. After introduction the organiser remains in contact with both volunteer and client on a regular basis. If either party is not happy with the 'match' the organiser will place them both back on the list until a more suitable arrangement can be made. Inappropriate Referrals
VolunteersAge Concern Bucks is always seeking VOLUNTEERS for this Befriending Scheme. Volunteers do not do shopping, cleaning, or pushing wheelchairs. Many volunteers become firm friends with the older person and visit them for many years. ContactFor more information on the Age Concern Befriending Scheme, whether as a client of volunteer, please contact the Age Concern office on 01296 431911 |
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Can you spare an hour a week to visit and talk to an older, less fortunate, lonely, housebound person? (We pay expenses). 
Someone with Alzheimer's unfortunately is not appropriate for this scheme. The volunteers rarely come from nursing backgrounds and a friendship would not be sustainable. Someone with a drinking problem is also not appropriate. 
