Hospice aims to make new friends to fight loneliness
ROSSENDALE Hospice is seeking volunteers to help address the growing blight of loneliness, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.
The aim of the befriending service is to reduce social isolation for people, or the carers of people in Rossendale, who are elderly or have health problems.
The scheme, which has been running for more than five years, matches each person (befriendee) with a volunteer befriender who can visit regularly to provide some company and, in some cases, assistance with accessing particular interest groups or sources of support.
The service is for people who are registered with a
Rossendale GP practice and meet one or more of the following criteria: Aged 75 or over, have a life limiting illness, have a long-term condition.
Under-75s may be suitable for the service, and will be assessed on an individual basis.
Befriending is entirely flexible to suit the needs of both parties and, as such, can be carried out seven days a week, daytimes and evenings.
Irene Smith, Chief Officer at Rossendale Hospice, said: “In the current climate of responding to the COVID 19 pandemic it’s never been more important to look out for each other. At the hospice we believe that befriending offers supportive, reliable relationships to people who would otherwise be socially isolated.
“You don’t need any special qualifications to become a befriender. For those people who want to volunteer, they will be given training by an experienced befriending co-ordinator.
“You will learn how to listen in a caring and nonjudgemental way.
“When you start work the same co-ordinator will be on hand to support you, whilst being a befriender can be extremely rewarding it can also at times be emotionally tough.”
Amy O’Connor, Befriending Co-ordinator at Rossendale Hospice, and the first point of contact for befriending volunteers, said: “You will become an invaluable resource to people who feel that they have nowhere else to turn.
“Evidence suggests that giving your time in this way could be as valuable to you as the person that you support. A simple friendly socially distanced chat or phone call can make all the difference.”
For more information on the befriending service, or to make an enquiry about becoming a volunteer befriender, email Amy at Amy. O’Connor@ rossendalehospice.org or call the hospice on 01706 253633.