Befriending services are a great way of making sure the elderly don’t feel alone and can reassure carers who can’t always be present that their older family members are safe and well. These services can come in the form of a simple daily telephone call, regular visit, or through group meetings.
Wherever your family member lives in Suffolk, there should be an option open to you. We’ve listed four options below for you to consider.
Find a Helper for companionship and more with Good Life Sorted
Good Life Sorted will introduce you to a local Helper to take on any tasks you might need help with from companionship to cooking, from light cleaning to running errands.
Find Local Befriending Services Across Suffolk
ReEngage
ReEngage is a volunteer-run service that aims to reduce loneliness in the elderly with monthly social gatherings for small groups of those over 75 that live alone. Free transport is provided to and from the venue by a DBS checked volunteer driver. It is a completely free service and there are currently groups in:
- Sudbury
- Bury St. Edmunds
- Ipswich
- Stowmarket
- Eye
If this is something you feel your elderly parent might benefit from, you should visit their website to find the nearest group for them.
- Telephone: 01279 356122
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Independent Age
If the older person you care for is feeling in need of a good regular chat, especially if they feel lonely or just don’t leave the house much, Independent Age’s volunteers can provide a call or visit. This is a free service that your elderly relative can organize at times to suit them.
- Telephone: 0800 319 6789
- Visit Website
HVC - Halesworth
HVC is a volunteer-lead community support centre based in the centre of Halesworth. Services they offer include a community car service, resource centre, and a home visit befriending scheme. A small number of volunteers visit people in their own homes to assist with basic day-to-day jobs and errand running. This is a completely free service but is limited naturally by availability of volunteers.
If you would like more information on this service they ask that you contact Tracy or Karen at the Volunteer Centre or using the details below.
- Telephone: 01986 875600
- [email protected]
- Visit Website
Hope Trust - Felixstowe
A Christian local charity for the over 50s with many events to relieve loneliness and isolation. It allows them to connect to similar people and feel a part of the community they live in. They have a calendar of events on their website.
- Telephone: 01394 272592
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
