Age UK EssexBefriending

What does it do?We operate the Befriending Service throughout the County for people aged over 60, who may be suffering from the effects of loneliness or social isolation.

Volunteer befrienders can offer a home visit for about 1 hour per week, for a friendly chat to provide company and friendship.

We also offer a weekly Telephone Befriending Service to all clients referred. Each client will receive a weekly call for a friendly chat, so that we can maintain contact and monitor general well-being.

All our volunteer befrienders are required to attend induction training, are checked by the Criminial Records Bureau and carry an ID card, to identify them as an Age Concern Essex volunteer. All our volunteer befrienders are personally introduced to a client by the Befriending Service Manager or one of our Co-ordinators.

Fortnightly coffee mornings are arranged in some areas, for clients and volunteers to encourage socialisation, and to provide on going support.

Who it is for: We operate the Befriending Service throughout the County for people aged over 60, who may be suffering from the effects of loneliness or social isolation.
Where it is available: Local service covering: Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Castle point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Epping Forest, Harlow, Maldon, Rochford, Southend-on-Sea, Tendring, Thurrock, Uttlesford (Essex).
What it costs: This serviceis completely free of charge
How to access or apply for it: For more information or to make a referral please contact your nearest office as follows: Thurrock office - 01708 864834 Diane Nicola (Service Delivery Manager) Email: diane.nicola@aceintranet.org Clacton office (North and North East Essex) - 01255 421302 Lisa Smith Email: efriendingeast@keme.co.uk Chelmsford office (Mid and West Essex) - 01245 346106 Tania Fussell Email: befriending@keme.co.uk Basildon office (South East and South West Essex) - 01268 525353 Ann Sparks Email: befriendingwest@timicomail.co.uk We are open from 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
Classification(s): Socialising, Companionship /befriending
Info last updated: 11/03/2011.