Local residents are being sought by Age UK B&NES to become volunteer befrienders to help support a number of lonely older people across the Bath area.
Age UK B&NES befrienders provide companionship, social contact and support to older people in the community.
This could be anything from having a chat over a cup of tea, visiting the shops together or going to a café.
To help people find out more about how befriending makes an incredible difference to older people, there is a drop-in afternoon at St Michael’s Day Centre in Bath on Wednesday 22nd October, from 3.30-5.30pm.
Janet Dabbs, Age UK B&NES’ chief executive, said: “Around 30 people are waiting for a befriender at the moment so this informal drop-in session is a great way for potential volunteers to ask any questions about what is required and how they can get involved.
“Most befrienders offer up to an hour or so a week – but any time you can give will make a huge difference.
“We provide full training and support and would never call upon volunteers to do any nursing work – it is simply about offering friendship.”
Befrienders are currently needed in: Peasedown St John; Keynsham; Saltford; Midsomer Norton; Radstock; Timsbury; Combe Down; Odd Down; Oldfield Park; Twerton; Weston; Newbridge and Bathampton.
If you’re interested in in finding out more, call in to the drop-in afternoon or call Age UK B&NES’ befriending co-ordinator, Ceri Sanders, on 01225 462641 for an initial chat.
Age UK B&NES is a local charity supporting around 12000 older people, their families and carers each year in Bath and North East Somerset.
