A BEFRIENDING SERVICE

Overview
During this past year we have developed our procedures to improve the befriending service. One of the main developments is the introduction of a simple yet effective agreement between the ‘visitor’ and the recipient of the service. This agreement allows both parties to clearly define the role they play. The needs of the client and the visitor are equally important within this service and as such, guidelines are offered to reduce the risk of disruption relating to ongoing visits. Every care is taken to arrange personal visits at a time that is agreeable to both parties and it is probable that the initial visitor will be the person who subsequently continues to provide the service.

We offer visits to elderly vulnerable people in their home or in a hospital or arrange for telephone contact to be carried out by skilled volunteers.

How It Works
A Befriender can visit someone’s home if they are in need of company due to isolation or physical impairment. Normally the first visits are booked into the Befriender’s diary and it is then left to the client and Befriender to arrange further visits.

If someone has to remain in hospital and is in need of company, we would normally try to arrange a visit as a matter of urgency especially if relatives are finding it difficult to attend during the advised visiting hours.

Telephone Service
We can arrange for someone to ring people at home to support the relatives and carers, maybe it’s just a friendly voice or a reminder to take their medication on time. Whatever the reason this telephone service can be initiated quite quickly, unfortunately the service can only be administered during opening hours.

Further information can be obtained by completing a Befriending Service Referral/Application Form or General Enquiry Form using the links. We’d be happy to speak with you in person at Caring Hands Office or telephone 0191 261 5234 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday between 10.00am and 3.30pm.

Helpful Links

Dementia Care Partnership:
www.dementiacare.org.uk/newcastle

Alzheimers Society:
www.alzheimers.org.uk/newcastle

SSAFA Forces Help:
www.ssafa.org.uk

Parkinsons Disease Society:
www.parkinsons.org.uk

Age Concern Newcastle upon Tyne
www.acnewcastle.org.uk

Carers Centre Newcastle:
www.newcastlecarers.org.uk