Charity (no. 1062723)
West Kent Befriending Service
"We believe no one should have no one - our Befriending Service will help"
The West Kent Befriending Service is a project of Age UK Maidstone.
Some people fear solitude but many more experience it. Loneliness is not necessarily about being alone, it is the feeling that no one cares. Loneliness can be felt by people of all ages, but as we get older the risk factors that might lead to loneliness begin to increase. Loneliness is non-discriminatory to age, gender or wealth.
The success of our service is evident from the many wonderful friendships that have been formed and response from both our members and volunteers.
What our members say:
Tuesdays used to be so dull and lonely. Now I look forward to each one, we appear to have quite a lot in common and if they are all like Barbara, I’m sure you are onto a winner. You want a few more Barbara’s but NOT MINE . (Ruth)
My
very dear friend Carol comes to me every Monday 2pm when it is possible. I
can’t praise her enough, she is very dear to me and I miss her on odd occasions
when she can’t come. If the world was
full of Carol’s it would be a better place to live in. I hope I’m as good a
friend to her as she is to me. (Monica)
What our volunteers say:
Being a befriender has been a lovely journey of discovery. From a
nervous first meeting of a stranger with whom I had no idea how we would get
on, to a present day friendship which means a lot to us both. We discuss all
manner of subjects, tease each other and laugh a lot, we grow tomatoes and
dahlias together, and we visit local garden centres and share coffee and cake.
It's a pleasure to give time to someone who is elderly and disabled, but
equally a joy to receive from them and both know it's a two way relationship. (Gavin)
Befriending has had such a positive impact on my life. It has boosted my confidence, such fun and rewarding to see how your company improves another person's life. It's like visiting a grandparent every week, who wouldn't enjoy spending time doing that? (Natalie)
We help to reduce the loneliness and isolation felt by so many older people, both at home and within their local communities. We are a volunteer led service offering free face to face visits to our members. Befriending provides companionship, the chance to develop new friendships and opportunities to join in local social activities.
West Kent Befriending Service is based at the Age UK Maidstone office and covers the whole of Maidstone and the surrounding villages.
If you wish to make a referral either for yourself or a third party, you can contact us initially by phone or email. Our administrator will be able to explain what happens next.
A Befriender is a volunteer who is willing to visit one of our members, usually within the member’s own home to provide company and friendship. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
Phone: 0800 048 4668 / 01622 753618
Email: [email protected]
Community Befriending is a time for members to meet up outside of their home environment. We hold regular coffee and chat mornings and even take our befriending out on the road with our Talking Bus.
For more information on any of our events
Phone: 0800 048 4668 / 01622 753618
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