Befriending
“I have gained more than I could ever imagine. To see my befriendee, each week, looking forward to my visit is such a great feeling. I love listening to her stories and sharing a cup of tea. I would recommend it to everyone. Such a ‘feel good’ thing to do.”
Our community and friendship service offer:
Befriender volunteer home visits and weekly telephone calls to those that are housebound and cannot access their community.
Community Companions supporting those that want to attend community activities, increase their social opportunities and meet new people but struggle to do this alone.
Peer linking with other clients in our service. Clients are invited to small, volunteer hosted, local meet ups where they can connect with others in a similar situation.
Who is this service for?
Our Befriending Service is available to anyone living in Essex, over the age of 18 and for residents of the Thurrock district over the age of 60.
This includes people in later years, unpaid carers and those living with:
- Sensory impairments
- Impairment disability
- Dementia
- Autism
- Learning disability
- Poor mental health
- Long-term conditions
How does it work?
Essex residents
Step one: Fill out the referral form through the Essex Wellbeing Service. You can do this yourself or for someone you know.
Step two: The Essex Wellbeing Service will be in touch to learn more about you and your requirements. They will then refer you to our community and friendship service.
Step three: An Age Well East Friendship Coordinator will call and ask you questions about where you live, your interests and friendship requirements. This can be done over the telephone or in your own home. From this contact we will establish what friendship service is available to you.
Step four: We will either match you with one of our volunteer befrienders, volunteer community companions or invite you to a peer connection group. Your match will be based on shared interests, home location and volunteer availability.
Step five: Dependant on the service offer provided to you, a service review will take place as below:
• Peer connection group – after 3 volunteer hosted meet ups
• Volunteer community companion – after 8 weeks support
• Befriender volunteer home visits / telephone calls – every 3 months
Thurrock residents
Step one: Fill out the referral form via Referrals – Age Well East. You can do this yourself or for someone you know.
Step two: An Age Well East Friendship Coordinator will call and ask you questions about where you live, your interests and friendship requirements. This can be done over the telephone or in your own home. From this contact we will establish what friendship service is available to you.
Step three: We will either match you with one of our volunteer befrienders, volunteer community companions or invite you to a peer connection group. Your match will be based on shared interests, home location and volunteer availability.
Step four: Dependant on the service offer provided to you, a service review will take place as below:
• Peer connection group – after 3 volunteer hosted meet ups
• Volunteer community companion – after 8 weeks support
• Befriender volunteer home visits / telephone calls – every 3 months
For more information, please call 0300 303 9988
Find groups and events
We run and find suitable groups and activities across Essex to help you connect with others. Take part in activities such as dancing, arts and crafts, light sports or knitting with like-minded individuals.
Community & friendship
Discover how we connect people and communities in Essex, and find a volunteer friend living near you.
Become a Volunteer
Make a difference to people in their later years by becoming a Volunteer. We offer a variety of positions and a supportive team.
We can make a real difference to you or someone you know.
We are here for people in later years. We empower you to age well.