Befriending Service

Family and friends aren’t always available so let us arrange a regular visitor to brighten your week.

As we get older, or struggle to get out and about, we can feel a bit isolated or lonely.

Having a weekly visitor can be really comforting. Someone to chat to and share memories with, someone to share a joke and a laugh with and to help with that tricky jigsaw!

We have checked and trained befriending volunteers who visit many local North Cotswold residents.

Some of these visits are arranged by family, friends and neighbours. Sometimes doctors or other health professionals ask us to visit. Often people just phone and ask us to arrange a regular befriending visitor because they would enjoy a little bit of extra company.

Some people want to go out for a drive with their visitor to enjoy the countryside, to visit a garden centre or a café. Others want to stay at home and chat about old times or current affairs or what is happening in the local community.

Some people miss their pet, and request our Four-Legged Friend Service. We have volunteers who are happy to bring along their befriending dog for a visit.

Our Support Services Manager will first visit a new client in their own home to fully understand their circumstances and the type of volunteer they need.

We match clients with volunteers, taking into account where people live and what their interests and experiences are.

We will continue to monitor and support the befriending visits, making sure that they work well.

There is no charge for this service.

We also invite everyone who receives the Befriending service to our quarterly Community Events, where you can meet other local people who are part of the Cotswold Friends network. (Transport and escorts can be provided).

There is no reason to feel lonely or isolated. Call us on 01608 652019 to find out how we can help.