Project Friendship

Befriending lonely or Housebound people

The Befriending Scheme which is co-ordinated from Voluntary Action is for those people in Oadby and Wigston who have become isolated for one reason or another. Our volunteers are just ordinary people who have a great heart and are doing the neighbourly thing by visiting someone in these circumstances.

The Befriending Scheme operates for people in the Oadby and Wigston area who have become isolated for one reason or another. Referrals come from various agencies, such as Social Services, hospitals etc. and relations of the client or clients themselves.

As at 31st March 2008 there were 19 volunteers visiting 27 clients. We have had to say goodbye to some volunteers during the year due to various reasons and some have chosen to take a temporary break. This has meant that we are not able to visit as many clients as we would have liked.

Some of the relationships with the clients have developed over a number of years with the volunteer continuing the visiting even if the client is hospitalised or has to go into a nursing/residential home. The volunteer is sometimes the client’s only contact with the outside world during the week and as such is made very welcome.

The amount of time the volunteer wishes to give is up to each individual. This can range from having a cup of tea and a chat for an hour a week, even up to 3 or more visits per week or taking the client to the shops, accompanying them to an appointment with the doctor or for a walk. It is up to the befriender and the client how far they would like the relationship to develop.

The rewards are huge – an immense sense of satisfaction that you are welcomed and valued and that you have helped someone by just spending some time with them. Each and every volunteer is very much appreciated not only by ourselves but also by the clients themselves.

Some of the comments received from the clients have been “always look forward to seeing a friendly face”, “enjoy the visits”, “look forward to the meetings very much, thank you very much”.

We do try and match clients with volunteers who have similar interest but we always have more clients needing a befriender than we have volunteers so if you can spare some time we would be delighted to hear from you.

I have also held some events over the year for the befrienders including training on dementia awareness and basic first aid awareness and networking meetings. These have been well received by those attending and it’s been an opportunity for the befrienders to meet up with each other.

Thank you to all our current volunteers, you have certainly made a difference in peoples’ lives and we hope to welcome new volunteers in the future.

If you are in need of a befriender contact us on (0116) 2810026 (24 hour answer phone out of hours)

Are you Interested in befriending a lonely or housebound person?

Please access the Project Friendship Volunteer Page.