Age UK Kent River’s Befriending Service provides companionship to older people living in Medway who are experiencing loneliness. Our Befrienders will spend quality time with the person, creating a long-lasting friendship.
The Befriending service is a free service that is provided by fully trained and vetted volunteers, who are carefully matched to ensure that we connect people with similar interests, providing older people with a long-term companion to spend quality time with, chatting about life and becoming not just a familiar face, but a friend.
Our volunteer Befrienders will spend 1-3 hours a week together with an older person in their home, perhaps for a cup of tea and a chat, or accompanying them to an activity (such as a trip to a cafe or the theatre).
The main aims of the service are to:
✓ Reduce social isolation
✓ Build confidence
✓ Maintain independence
✓ Enhance wellbeing
✓ Assist with engaging with the community.
There are some things that a befriending volunteer is not able to do, for instance they will not be able to help with personal care, go shopping on your behalf, do housework, gardening or maintenance, give counselling or guidance.