Engage Befriending – Time to Engage

ENGAGE BEFRIENDING is a local charity befriending older people in the area. Have you ever thought about the neighbours in your street who might be housebound? Caversham and Emmer Green is a very community-minded area. Currently 16 older people are being visited or telephoned regularly by one of our befrienders. Volunteers visit an older person once a week or fortnightly for an hour or so and give support in some of the following ways; visits to medical appointments, out for lunch or a cuppa together, visiting National Trust properties and local towns, playing games, going for short walks, providing transport to our coffee mornings or just simply visiting.
Visits or trips out make such a difference to someone feeling lonely or isolated. We like to think both the volunteer and the older person get something out of visits, especially if they live away from their home country or family. Some volunteers are introduced after the death of the older person’s partner. During such a difficult period, just having someone who will listen is helpful, and practical help can also be identified.
Volunteers must be checked out to keep everyone safe. Any necessary training will then be provided. We will inform any prospective volunteers of the requirements.
Here are some comments from the older people we’re visiting: “It’s widened my horizons because he’s involved me in what’s going on in the world”. “It’s company for me and we chat a lot. We talk about ‘Old’ Reading”. “It has made a difference – it’s good to have someone call in regularly. I only see him and the carers”.
Everyone deserves companionship and conversation and Engage’s mission to reduce loneliness by helping people connect with their community is part of our
communities’ response. Could you offer an hour a week to visit an older person in your neighbourhood?
For more information about Engage Befriending, please contact: Sheila Cox – Regional Co-ordinator on 07516 254916 or at sheila.cox@themustardtree.org
Or see their website, engage-uk.org Office telephone: 0118 995 2102