Want some regular company and a friendly chat? Age UK Berkshire’s Befriending service matches older people with a trained, DBS-checked volunteer for companionship and conversation.
You may find this helpful if you are an older person in Berkshire who is feeling lonely, would like to talk to someone regularly, or would like a bit more social connection.
Befriending can be provided in two ways:
1) Telephone befriending (Berkshire-wide): you will receive regular calls at a time to suit you.
2) Face-to-face befriending (Reading, West Berkshire and Bracknell): a volunteer can visit you in your own home. Age UK Berkshire will work with you and your volunteer to agree how often you meet, for example weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.
How it works: the Befriending Coordinator visits you to learn about your interests, needs and expectations, then carefully matches you with a suitable volunteer. The coordinator will introduce you to your matched volunteer and will stay in touch. Because the service is long-term and aims to make a good match, it may take at least a month to match you with the right volunteer.
Cost: Free.
To get started, call Age UK Berkshire on 0118 959 4242 or email info@ageukberkshire.org.uk.
Service statistics
Usually replies in
2 days
73%
of referrals accepted
Categories:
Connecting with others
Services for older people
Service access criteria:
For older people in Berkshire who would like regular company, either in person (available in Reading, Bracknell and West Berkshire) or by phone (Berkshire-wide).
Additional needs catered for:
Takes place in the client’s home
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