Befriending
Combatting loneliness one contact at a time
Each of our Age Connects branches offer services that can help combat loneliness. To find out what is on offer in your area please get in touch using our contact page.
According to research as many as 1.4 million older people in the UK often feel lonely. Older people can be at particular risk from loneliness because of a range of factors that become more likely as we age. These include retiring from work, losing friends and family members and problems with mobility, which can make it harder to engage in social activities.
Loneliness is not just an emotional state; it can have profound implications for mental health. The National Institute for Health and Care Research found that older people who experience loneliness are at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. The isolation that can come with loneliness may also contribute to a decline in overall physical health, making older individuals more vulnerable to various age-related illnesses.
However, it Is not all gloom and doom. There is much that can be done to tackle loneliness and improve our chances of enjoying later life. Many of our Age Connects branches offer a free Telephone Befriending service, so you can enjoy chatting with someone over the phone, this can be a one off, or a regular chat, whatever works best.
Face-to-face befriending is another service offered by some of our branches. This will involve a volunteer befriender visiting an older person in their home, perhaps for a cup of tea and a chat. Taking part in activities is another good way of meeting new people and forming relationships, and there is lots on offer from our local branches. From coffee mornings to craft sessions, drop-in centres to clubs and group, there is always something going on.