Provided by Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
We aim to reduce loneliness and social isolation in later life by providing friendship and support for older people.
Support is in the form of regular contact from a fully trained volunteer. Contact is usually once a week either by a home visit or a telephone call.
❤️Reduce isolation and loneliness
Create new friendships
Conversation - listening and talking
Sharing reminiscence - looking at photos.
Play board & card games, share crosswords & puzzles
☎️ Read post, help with correspondence, and make phone calls.
Provide a link to other services and support
Our aim is to ensure that both the older person and volunteer can engage and benefit from the friendship in a positive way.
• Mental ill health, including addiction, and conditions such as anxiety and depression may not be a barrier to the service so long as both parties can engage and benefit. However, if there is a need for specialist mental health interventions, it is likely that the local mental health team will be able to provide more appropriate support.
• We actively encourage a diverse group of volunteers to deliver this service and welcome older people from all backgrounds to make a suitable match.
• Where there are practical and environmental considerations such as hoarding, home location, lifestyle (e.g. pets, smoking, addiction) or other risk factors we will endeavour to work around these where possible. If there is a need outside of Sharing Time we will look to signpost to appropriate organisations.
• Those with sensory impairment are welcome, however if the older person is unable to hear or hold a conversation then this service may not be suitable and we will support access to alternative, appropriate services.
Make a referral CONTACT:
☎️ 01733 554963
✉️ sharingtime@ageukcap.org.uk.