Pictured above: Colin Norman, Alpa Patel, Teresa Lee and
Andrew Ingles
A volunteering service that provides company for isolated, older
people or those who are physically frail has been given a boost
with the announcement of new support.
Blaby District Befrienders is to receive sponsorship and support
from housing provider Three Oaks Homes with the two organisations
committing to creating a friendlier community.
The befriending service provides regular visits from volunteers
to 80 elderly and socially isolated people in the area, including
tenants of Three Oaks Homes.
The scheme, which has 71 volunteers, will work closely with
Three Oaks Homes, providing companions for tenants who need
them.
Colin Norman, Chair of Three Oaks Homes, signed the agreement
with Andrew Ingles, Chief Executive of Community Action Blaby
District, which runs the project.
Mr Ingles said: "We are very grateful to Three Oaks Homes for
supporting Blaby District Befrienders. There are a growing number
of isolated and vulnerable people who need this social contact,
especially in the current economic climate where public funding for
voluntary services is under such pressure."
Befriending organiser Teresa Lee said: "The service is vital in
our community with some similar services being withdrawn at the
moment. It's essential that we give people a window into the
outside world."
Three Oaks Homes tenant Suzi Randall, one of the project's 71
volunteers, regularly visits fellow tenant Mavis Allen, who is
housebound.
Suzi said: "I visit Mavis once a week and we'll sit and have a
catch up. Every Befriender partner is different. Some want someone
to go to the shops with, while others would rather stay in and have
a chat over a cup of tea."
Alpa Patel, Senior Community Engagement Officer at Three Oaks
Homes said: "The befriending service is already making a huge
impact on the community and our tenants within Blaby District. We
recognised the importance of keeping this service going and more
importantly remaining a free accessible service to those in need.
It also gives a great opportunity for those who wish to give back
to their community."