Befriending
- Location: Age UK North Tyneside
- Price: Free
Please note, this service is not available outside Age UK North Tyneside - Head Office's catchment area.
Age UK North Tyneside
13 Saville Street West
North Shields
Tyne and Wear
NE29 6QP
United Kingdom
Email: enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk
Telephone: 01912 808484
Our Befriending service offers supportive, reliable friendships to people who would otherwise be socially isolated.
The need for friendship
As we get older, life can change. Friends and relatives may move away, we might lose loved ones, and we may get out less due to health problems and other circumstances. This can lead to being home alone more, often causing feelings of loneliness.
It can be difficult to tell others you are feeling lonely or ask for help. However, loneliness isn't something to be ashamed of. Loneliness is something we will all feel at some point in our lives.
Research has shown that loneliness can have a negative impact on our physical, mental, and emotional health. That’s where Age UK North Tyneside's Befriending service comes in. We aim to promote positive ageing and help prevent loneliness and isolation.
Befriending in North Tyneside
Our Befriending service offers vital emotional support to vulnerable or isolated adults over 50. Customers can access the service through self-referral, or by a family member or professional by completing a referral form. They will then be matched with a friendly, trained volunteer befriender who visits or calls them every week for at least six months. The arrangement is based on friendship, and no payment is involved.
We match volunteers to customers based on shared interests and provide a safe and mutually beneficial relationship. The idea is that the befriender will get as much out of the relationship as the befriendee. Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, experiences, and ages, ensuring a diverse volunteer base. They work holistically to support the customer's independence, establish social connections, reduce isolation, and support their physical and social wellbeing.
Customers and volunteers are supported by our Befriending Coordinator, Demmi Robinson, for 12 months. After this period and a positive relationship has been established, on agreement they will leave the service and continue their long-term friendship. Demmi will regularly check in with customers completing phone support and home visits to ensure they are satisfied with the service, offering support, advice, and signposting when required.
Find a Befriender
Our Befriending service has just relaunched. We will be taking on new customers soon so please feel free to get in touch and join our waitlist.
Become a Befriender
Befriending is a chance to give, by offering your time and commitment to others. By volunteering you'll be using your skills to make a huge difference in someone's life while creating a lasting friendship.