Our befriending service is open to any older people who may feel isolated, lonely or do not see anyone on a regular basis due to health or mobility issues.
Befriending is a service provided by Age Concern Southend. We match volunteers with older people in the area to receive weekly visits or telephone calls.
This service is run on the goodwill, support and dedication of our wonderful volunteers. Please get in touch if you are interested in becoming a volunteer for this service. As you can imagine, the Pandemic put considerable pressure on this service and, as a result, we need more volunteers to combat our waiting list.
We currently help over 150 elderly people in the community with this service. LEARN MORE.
“The programme is rewarding for both befriender and befriended. We are often told that our calls or visits give people something to look forward too, make them feel calmer, less anxious and supported. Our volunteers feel fulfilled, helpful and less lonely too – carving real friendships.” – Julia Usher (previous befriending co-ordinator)
To refer yourself or someone you know to the service, please contact our volunteer co-ordinator team on 01702 345373 or send an email to enquiry@acsos.co.uk
Our Volunteer Co-ordinators are:
Diane Pilgrim diane.pilgrim@acsos.co.uk
Samantha Crump samantha.crump@acsos.co.uk
Sarah Holmes sarah.holmes@acsos.co.uk
Please make sure you have their permission before referring someone else.
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Finding Friendship At The Haven Community Hub
As well as our befriending service, we provide a range of social groups and events to help you form meaningful friendships and ultimately combat feelings of loneliness in our community.
If you would like to learn more about these sessions, please view our timetable or get in touch by emailing enquiries@acsos.co.uk
Quotes from people who attend our befriending social groups (Coffee morning or coffee and conversations group):
“It means the world to me coming here.”
“We are all friends here now.”
“I look forward to coming here.”
“It gives me a purpose in my life.”
