Age UK BuckinghamshireBefriending

What does it do?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.

Age 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.

Who it is for:

Older people in Buckinghamshire. 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.

Where it is available:

Local service covering: Aylesbury Vale, Chiltern, Milton Keynes, South Bucks, Wycombe (Buckinghamshire).

How to access or apply for it:

For more information on the Age Concern Befriending Scheme, whether as a client of volunteer, please contact the Age Concern office on 01296 431 911

What to expect then:

After receiving the referral, the Age Concern organiser will contact the client to arrange a visit. As long as the client is ppropriate 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.

Classification(s):

Socialising, Companionship /befriending

Info last updated:

03/03/2011.
About the service provider:
Contact info:

Age Concern - Buckinghamshire: 145 Meadowcroft, Aylesbury, HP19 9HH. (view on map)

Telephone: 01296 431 911

Fax: 01296 330 783

http://www.ageconcernbucks.org.uk/

Parent organisation:Age UK Buckinghamshire

Provider

Age UK Buckinghamshire