Share the love this Valentine’s Day: Volunteer to befriend an older person

This Valentine’s Day, Right at Home GF is encouraging people to go beyond flowers and chocolates and to spread love and kindness by becoming a friend to an older person instead.

Loneliness is a growing issue among older adults, with many spending days or even weeks without meaningful social interaction. Right at Home’s befriending service aims to bridge this gap by connecting volunteers with older individuals for regular chats, outings, or simply a friendly phone call.

Liz Young, Right at Home GF’s Marketing and Recruitment Manager says: “After COVID, we observed that many of our clients were quite lonely and that their caregiver was often the only regular human contact they had from one day to the next. In response, we set up our befriending service which is now entering its second year. The impact has been immeasurable with volunteers being paired up with people who have indicated they are feeling lonely or isolated and would like regular companionship.

“The feedback we’ve had from volunteers has been very positive and over the year we have seen many unique and rewarding friendships being built. Volunteers have told us they like having the opportunity to make a difference and our older people have reported that catching up with their befriender breaks up their week and is something to which they look forward. They also feel safe and secure in the knowledge that all our befrienders are checked out by us and undergo DBS checks.”

Volunteering is a fantastic way to develop new skills and enhance your CV, making you more attractive to potential employers. It also provides opportunities to network, gain valuable experience, and make a positive impact in your community. Whether you are a potential volunteer or you are seeking a companion who shares your interests, Right at Home can help. To volunteer or request a friend, visit Right at Home GF’s website or call 01252 414868.