WiSE Befriending Services
The aim of the service is to provide companionship and social contact to older
people either living alone in their own home or who live in care homes and have
no or few visitors.
What is befriending?
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The befriending service involves matching older people who live alone
with a volunteer who undertakes to give a minimum of one hour a week to
the friendship. There is no cost for this service.
What benefit is such a friendship?
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Through the friendship and support offered by the volunteer volunteer
befriender, many older people have benefited from an improved quality of
life and increased social input.
Who are our volunteers?
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Volunteers are members of the public who have offered thier time to WiSE.
People of all ages and from all walks of life become volunteers. What they
have in common is a liking and respect for older people and a willingness
to make a long-term commitment. Volunteers are carefully selected and references
taken up and all are supported by WiSE.
How does the service work?
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We try to make sure that the befriender lives near to the older person
and that they have a similar interest. Volunteers are introduced to the
older person by the organiser.
What will we do together?
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This will depend on the interest of yourself and the volunteer. As in
all friendships both people come to an agreement as to what activities they
want to do.
How do I become a Befriender?
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Contact Neil Bellamy, WiSE Co-ordinator on Wetherby 01937 588994 who will
meet with you to discuss befriending