Caravan Befriending Service Combats Social Isolation

The new Caravan Befriending Service is aimed at providing our beneficiaries who are socially isolated and lonely with opportunities for social interaction and a sense of being part of our Circle of Friendship.

This new service complements the Caravan Welfare Assessor visits where all our beneficiaries are contacted at least once a year to ensure that they are safe and well. The aim of the Befriender service is to provide additional informal support and regular contact with our beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries who sign up to the Befriending Service will receive an informal visit either once a month, or quarterly. The volunteer Befriender is required to spend about an hour chatting and sharing a cup of tea or coffee with the beneficiary.

Befriending offers companionship and opportunities to participate in social activities and has been found to help reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness and increase feelings of self-worth, trust and confidence. The results of befriending can be very significant and in many situations can also reduce the burden on other services, which people may be using inappropriately as they seek social contact.

If you would like to hear more about the new Befriending Service please contact Renatha Fourie, Caravan Welfare Development Manager by email on renatha@caravan-charity.org.uk