Befriending

This service is a volunteer based befriending scheme for older people who are isolated. It is available to residents in Redbridge. The telephone service is Monday to Friday during morning hours. The weekly visiting service is for people living alone and subject to certain criteria

In addition to providing companionship it also acts as a welfare monitoring service. Referrals are accepted from other agencies or directly from the older person or their family.

We are delighted to announce that we have received grant funding from the National Lottery Community fund to further develop our befriending service.

What is telephone Befriending?
Anyone aged 55 and over can receive a weekday morning telephone call. The volunteer will chat to you, check-up on your wellbeing and follow up if there are any problems. Our staff will refer you to appropriate services where requested or to our Advice and Information Service.

What is a visiting Befriender?
A visiting Befriender visits an older person at their home. The visit is for about an hour for a cup of tea and a chat.

To be eligible you should have no more than three contacts per week with other services and have few visitors and unable to attend other social provision such as day centres.

Waiting lists

Please note that there is a waiting list for visiting befriending in Redbridge.