Building relationships
with older people

What is the service?

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We believe that simple, committed friendships can reduce and prevent the isolation experienced by those who may not have family close by or friends and neighbours for mutual support, particularly through failing or ill-health and bereavement.

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Evergreen's Befriending Service is a free and confidential service supporting senior citizens, weekly befriending visits encourage our clients to making the most of their life experience into old age. Our befriending service works to build and develop relationships which will prove mutually enriching and worthwhile.

 

All our befriending relationships are unique and individual. For some, it can be having a cuppa, a cake and a chat. For others it may be a walk around the local area or park, or a visit to a café or a garden centre. Sometimes it may be sharing a fun activity like a jigsaw puzzle, a game of cards, or enjoying music together.

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If you or someone you know would like a befriender you need to;

•  Be over 60 years old

•  Be willing to have an assessment

•  Be living in a safe environment

•  Not be living in residential care

•  Be lonely or isolated

•  Be able to enjoy or benefit from a 2 way relationship

•  Not have a befriender from another organisation

 

We carefully match our clients with their befriending volunteer, based on

similar hobbies, interests and values and a Friendship Coordinator will attend the initial introduction. All Evergreen volunteers go through a robust

recruitment process, which includes references, a DBS check, an informal

interview and induction training.

 

The Friendship Coordinators will maintain regular contact with both parties to ensure that the relationship is running smoothly and to offer ongoing support to both client and befriender.

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We also offer regular social events that clients and befrienders can attend

either separately or together.

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