Be-A-Friend

What is it? Matching socially isolated older people with Age UK Wandsworth volunteers to provide regular companionship.  What does the service offer? Information and support: The project coordinator will first visit the older person to see what they want from the service and ensure they are receiving appropriate services. The coordinator will also make suggestions as to the range of local activities available.  Be-a-Friend volunteers: The coordinator will personally introduce the older person to the volunteer. The same volunteer visits, usually each week, to develop a firm friendship. Volunteers will do what any friend might - have a chat over tea, share news, play cards or scrabble... - Telephone Befriending: We have dedicated volunteers who make regular telephone calls to people known to the project who are not currently being visited.  Greeting Card scheme: Birthdays and Christmas can be a very lonely time for many people. All Be-a-Friend customers get cards on these anniversaries.  Who is suitable for this service? The person must be over 60 years old and live alone. Our customers have very few friends, if any, to spend time with them and are unable to get out without a great deal of assistance. - Who are the Be-a-Friend volunteers? Our volunteers are carefully selected, police-checked and supported by the Be-a-Friend project. We are in close contact with our volunteers, and we ensure we are offering a good quality service for all our users. Our volunteers are caring and reliable people.  Is this service free? Yes! There is no charge and it is our policy that volunteers do not accept cash gifts. Should you wish to make a donation to Age UK Wandsworth see details of the variety of ways on this site please click here. A donation will be gratefully received but it is not expected.  Do you know someone who needs a friend? If you do, please call Marc Roe on 020 8877 8940 or email BAH@ageukwandsworth.org.uk