Befriending - Rutland

Verified service

Our befriending service offers companionship and support to older people aged over 50 living alone in Rutland who are lonely or socially isolated. It provides a link to the outside world and can act as a gateway to other services and support. The befriending can include home visits (once a week or fortnightly), assistance to access activities and telephone befriending. 

The service is run by a Coordinator who will try to match the isolated person to a suitable volunteer befriender. All our volunteers are DBS checked and required to provide two references. They receive training and support. The volunteer is then able to signpost the person to other support from the charity if it is needed, as well as tell them about local social opportunities.  

As the service relies on recruiting new volunteers, we operate a waiting list during which time the referred person is contacted on a fortnighly or monthly basis until a volunteer becomes available. The waiting list does NOT operate on a 'first come, first served' basis, a new introduction depends on a SUITABLE befriender being available for a specific client , ideally the one with the highest needs.

PLEASE NOTE : There may also be periods of time when the waiting list will be closed and referrals not accepted in order to keep waiting times to a reasonable level.