Wellbeing Service
Our Wellbeing Service exists to ensure that every older person has the opportunity to live their best life.
The service is all about helping individuals feel less lonely, more supported and always listened to. We don't want an older person to feel they have no one to turn to. It is also about talking with individuals to help improve the quality of their life.
We rely on volunteers to deliver the service to clients. So there may be times when, due to volunteer unavailability, we are unable to provide the service in certain areas.
Who can use the service?
- Those who live alone and not residing with family or in a care / residential home.
- Those over 60 In the Somerset and North Somerset area.
What does this service NOT offer?
- Specialist support for those with dementia
- Shopping
- Transport
- Home help
Is there a charge for the service?
The service is free! However we are a charity and if you would like to make a donation these are not required but are always gratefully received!
Learn more about making a donation here
Who are the Volunteers?
Our Volunteers are friendly local people of all ages, (although the majority are 60+ themselves), who are supervised by us, and have undergone DBS checks and training to be able to help us with this service. Age UK Somerset covers their out of pocket expenses.
Because everyone's needs and preferences are different, Age UK Somerset's Wellbeing Service is comprised of three different elements.
Walk and Talk
Would you like to be more active and go out for a gentle walk with a friendly volunteer for company?
Then Walk and Talk could be right up your street!
What does the Walk and Talk programme offer?
Participants have the opportunity for a walk and talk with a friendly volunteer. The service supports older people who would enjoy some company, the benefits of fresh air and a change of surroundings, and being more active, but who don't feel very confident going out by themselves. The aim is to improve each client's mental and physical wellbeing by providing a companion to enjoy some gentle exercise with.
After clients have registered, they will be matched with a volunteer as soon as possible. Then regularly that volunteer will call for the client and go out with them on a short walk, starting from and returning to the client's home. The pace and duration of the walks will be set by the client and will not be strenuous. The social aspect of having a friendly chat during the meeting is seen as just as important as the walk.
What are the benefits of the service?
- A reduction in feelings of loneliness or isolation.
- An increase in confidence
- Helping with your fitness
- Improvement in physical, mental and emotional wellbeing
- Meeting new people., making new connections
- Having an opportunity to be introduced to new activities in the area.
Wellbeing Friends
What is the Wellbeing Friends programme?
We match a friendly volunteer with an older client in their local area for a regular home visit to provide companionship and a window to the outside world. It's all about new friendships and enjoyable company and conversation to brighten the day.
Who is the Wellbeing Friends programme for?
The service provides an alternative to our Walk and Talk programme for those who have mobility issues, making joining that programme unsuitable.
Friendly Phone Calls
What does the Friendly Phone Calls programme offer?
If you join this programme, you'll be matched with a friendly volunteer who will give you a call for a chat on a regular basis. This provides an invaluable lifeline for those living alone and new friendships can be formed by hearing a friendly voice over the phone.
Who is the Friendly Phone Calls programme for?
The service provides an alternative to our Walk and Talk and Friends visiting service for those who have mobility or other issues making those programmes unsuitable.
How to apply for the Wellbeing Service
Just give us a phone call for an initial chat and then we’ll post an application form.
Telephone: 01823 345615
Quick referral form for GP surgeries, NHS and Health & Social Care Professionals only
This form is just for the use of the above professionals.
Could you help?
We rely on the help of Volunteers to provide this service.
Would you be interested in joining the team?
Find out about Volunteering with this service