Volunteering for a Healthier Westminster Befriending Older People 

Providing companionship and support for the over 75's

Since April 2011 Westminster health services have been referring their patients to the Centre's new Befriending Scheme for older people.  A team of very committed Westminster residents have been recruited and trained to provide companionship and support to those who live in isolation and with long term health condition and disability.

Josie had recently retired and was keen to fill her time doing something valuable which would help others members of her local community.  Michael, lives alone and had been housebound  for 18 months.  He lives on the 4th floor of a block of flats and with no-one around to help, found it impossible to go out. Michael heard about the scheme through his paid carer and  following a referral was  soon introduced to Josie who has since visited him at home at least once a week.  

Initially meetings would take place in Michaels home but after a few weeks as the weather started to improve, they began to go for short walks around the block.  Each week, Michaels confidence and ability to walk outside again grew.  Several months later and since recently becoming a member of Dial a Ride, with Josie's help, Michael is now able to do his own weekly shopping again.  

The experience has proved to be extremely positive and rewarding for both of them.  They clearly enjoy each others company and have identified many shared interests so always have plenty to talk and laugh about.  

Our Outcomes

Across the project, patients  are experiencing improved health, well being and quality of life; they feel more confident, cared for and less anxious, are less isolated and are engaging in their local community.

Volunteers  benefit too, they not only gain a great sense of achievement and reward knowing they are able to helps others, they develop new skills and learning, keep busy, improve their knowledge of the area and enjoy themselves.

The pilot is showing that Befriending can potentially be an effective, preventative form of care used to address the support needs of some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

Supporting Us

Funding for the project ends in March 2012 so unfortunately we are not in a position to recruit volunteers or accept new referrals at this time. However, support is  urgently needed to help us raise funds for this important area of work to continue which could potentially benefit many other older, often forgotten members of our local community.  If this is something you are interested in, please click here to find out how you could get involved or contact louise@volunteer.co.uk

Read more stories here (link under construction).

Volunteering for a Healthier Westminster is supported by the Opportunities for Volunteering Scheme in partnership with the Department of Health and Volunteering England.