Feeling lonely & isolated and need some company?

Who can use this service?
The Befriending scheme is for older people and people with a disability who live in the borough of Melton who may be feeling lonely and isolated and in need of some company and support.

Does it cost?
No the scheme is free; the befriender is a volunteer who donates his or her time. The volunteers want to meet new people, be helpful and offer friendship.

Who will visit?
A volunteer will visit you. All our volunteer befrienders undergo a check with the Criminal Records Bureau and provide references as to their suitability for the befriending scheme. We offer ongoing support and training to our volunteers.

How does someone get on the Befriending scheme?
You can refer yourself by contacting the Befriending Co-ordinator. Alternatively a relative or a professional, such as a GP or a Social Worker, can refer you. After an initial visit by the Co-ordinator to your house to meet you and assess your needs, you are introduced to a volunteer who will then visit you regularly. You and your volunteer will decide the frequency, day and timing of visits between yourselves.
For a referral form contact the Befriending Co-ordinator, contact details below.

What we cannot do.
We cannot visit people in care homes. We cannot provide personal care or do weekly shopping, cleaning or gardening. We are not a driving scheme but if you do have difficulties using public transport then call our Transport Scheme on 01664 482903.

CONTACT
Befriending Coordinator (Mon - Wed 9am - 5pm)
Voluntary Action Melton
34 Asfordby Road
Melton Mowbray
Leics
LE13 0HR
01664 485302 (Mon - Wed 9am - 5pm)
01664 483043 (Thurs - Fri 9am-1pm)
E-mail: catherineh@voluntaryactionmelton.org.uk