Befriending Week 2021

What is befriending?

Befriending is the act of visiting an older person, who is socially isolated, in their own home. Befriending provides companionship to older people who best need it and a crucial link to the outside world.  

What is tele-befriending?

Tele-befriending is the same as face to face befriending. The only difference being that you talk over the phone rather than visit the person you're befriending. We use tele-befriending when you first join the scheme. This allows us to get to know you, whilst we find a suitable volunteer befriender.

How befriending helps

• Aims to ameliorate loneliness
• Provides companionship to socially isolated older people
• Helps clients develop new relationships and confidence
• Encouragement to participate in social activites away from home
• Provides a crucial link to outside world

What do we do?

We provide both befriending and tele-befriending here at Age UK Worcester & Malvern Hills. We have a selection of 'befrienders' who will come and visit you in your own home, for at least an hour every fortnight. Upon referral to this scheme, you will be added to our tele-befriending list until we can place you with a suitable 'befriender'. You will receive a weekly telephone call from our befriending co-ordinator, Tony, who will call you to have a chat and get to know you better.

Companionship & Bereavement

As part of our Befriending Service, we can offer friendship and support to those that are experiencing loss. Feelings of loneliness can be one of the most difficult aspects to cope with, but talking about your feelings with someone who is not emotionally involved can help.

We will provide trusted volunteers however, they are not counsellors, but they can provide a listening ear through visits or by phone. When ready, they can help people stay ‘socially connected’ by accompanying them to various activities.

What our service can offer:

• Regular visits or a telephone call for a friendly chat
• A trusted, listening ear
• Links to other Age UK Worcester & Malvern Hills services
• Signposting to Bereavement Counselling and local specialist support groups or organisations

Who can use this service?

Our service is available to over 50s living in Worcester or Malvern Hills areas, who are experiencing loss. 

What to expect from us?

Our Befriending Coordinator will spend time getting to know you and how best we can support you. You will be respected and valued, with no judgments or rushing. This will follow onto getting you connected with one of our carefully screened volunteers. 

Is there a charge?

This is a free service and all of our volunteers are DBS checked and carefully selected for the role.

Local partners / organisations

This service is a joint initiative in partnership with Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest. The service has been enabled thanks to grants from multiple funders. We are also working with other groups and local hospices, that may offer counselling and support (including St Richard’s, Primrose and KEMP hospices).

Age UK BRWF

St Richard's Hospice

Primrose Hospice

KEMP Hospice