Befriending

Please note, this service is not available outside Age UK Westminster - Head Office's catchment area.

Email: enquiries@ageukwestminster.org.uk
Telephone: 02030 045610

What is befriending?

Our befriending service provides friendship and support for older people in the community to ensure they do not become lonely or socially isolated. We offer two services: face-to-face befriending or telephone befriending.

Clients can choose between a weekly visit or a phone call from one of our friendly volunteers for about an hour or so. A helping hand or a listening ear can make a huge difference, particularly for those that are housebound or have mobility difficulties.

Volunteers go through informative training to further provide an empathetic approach when conversing with clients, along with sharing interests for an engaging interaction.

Please note, this service is only available to those living in the borough of Westminster.

Referrals to our befriending service

Anvone can make a referral to our befriending service. Please note that we unfortunately cannot accept clients living with Dementia or severe mental health issues as our volunteers are not trained in these areas.

If you would like to refer someone, please email the referral form to: enquiries@ageukwestminster.org.uk

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bp-assets/globalassets/westminster/wc-ref-form-2024.pdf

Referrals

As little as 1 hour per week can make such a huge difference to quality of life for older residents. Making new friendships and relationships, this role is enjoyed equally by the volunteers who help support the service. Feedback from both recipients and volunteers has highlighted solid relationship building, and good improvements in wellbeing levels.

If you would like to refer someone please use the contact info below.

Please contact our Befriending Coordinator on the details below for further information on our Befriending service and to confirm eligibility.

Age UK Westminster, Befriending Film

At Age UK Westminster we believe it’s time that people stopped thinking about loneliness as an inevitable part of ageing and have produced a short campaign video about our work.

Follow the below link to watch the film.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/westminster/our-services/befriending/befriending-film/

Volunteering

If you would like to become a volunteer befriender yourself, please contact us via the details on our volunteering page.

A befriending volunteer will be relieving the isolation of lonely or housebound older people by visiting them weekly at their home. They might have a cup of tea and a chat, or go out for a walk. Volunteers may occasionally be asked to undertake other activities such as wheelchair pushing or escorting the client to the shops.

To find out more follow the below link.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/westminster/get-involved/volunteering/befriending-volunteer/