12 stories of Christmas - Day Twelve

This festive season, we’re bringing you 12 stories of Christmas. These stories tell of the amazing things that the Age UK Notts staff, volunteers, funders, and you have done to support older people across Notts & Nottinghamshire this year.

Day 9 - Caring Companions

Our Companion Service can help you become more socially active, whether that’s over the phone, in your home or out and about in the community. We want to make it possible for you to still enjoy your life and to do the things that mean something to you with the support of a carefully chosen volunteer companion. Hopefully, that’ll make you feel better, maybe more active and even more involved with your local community.

We aim to make your choices possible wherever it is safe to do so. We’ll match you with a trained volunteer who shares your interests or hobbies so you can both enjoy your time together.

Sarah is 85 years old and was an early sign-up to our new Companion Service.  She was a  prominent, independent and active member of her local community and ran a number of shops and family businesses with her husband.  Sadly, her husband died a few years ago and her children and their families don’t live in close proximity although they are a close-knit family. Living alone in a large house, Sarah found it challenging.  Her mobility remains affected by her health conditions and she knows she can be a bit forgetful and confused.  The challenges of daily life can be distressing.  Sarah and her family were concerned about the decline of her mental health and ability to cope. A detailed conversation with Sarah and her family enabled us to begin the search for the right volunteer to meet Sarah’s needs and bring some enjoyment back into her life.

Anne is one of our very experienced volunteers who has supported multiple service users and lives locally to Sarah. We made the introduction and allowed time for Sarah to become comfortable with Anne who fully utilised her excellent communication and listening skills.

The relationship has developed well and Sarah has even enjoyed a visit to her beloved Marks and Spencers to do some shopping – a much missed treat. She’s also been able to reconnect with her local community so her overall quality of life is much better.

Sarah is now looking for more support and we’ll soon be introducing Sarah to another wonderful volunteer who can offer more time to nurture the Companion relationship.  Sarah and her family have also been made aware of other support services such as Age UK Business Directory, dementia services, and care agencies who can potentially provide more specialised services as they are required.

This is what Sarah, Anne and the family say about the Companion Service -

“Anne brightens up my day and means the world to me, she is lovely and so kind and patient. I look forward to her visits and spending time together” (Sarah – Companion customer)

“Sarah is a very special lady and I value the time that we are able to spend together” (Anne, volunteer)

“Anne has made a huge difference and impact to all our lives. We are very reassured and appreciate everything that the Companion Service has done and is doing to support our mum and family, thank you so much”  (Family members)

If you would like to find out more about our Companion Service visit:
Email: companion.service@ageuknotts.org.uk
Telephone: 01158 599206