‘Befriending’ may sound a strange word, but it really simply means being a friend! There are many people living lonely, isolated lives. One carer who is supporting their partner said, “We have very little contact with the outside world, sometimes we can go several days without a conversation.” If you are mainly confined to home, it can be a very lonely place, and you may miss the little chats, smiles and laughter with others that we all need.
It is now well established that loneliness and lack of contact and conversation with other people harms our mental and physical health. One carer compared himself to a prisoner, “Even most prisoners get time to mix, so my caring role sees me disadvantaged when compared to a prisoner! It’s not fair.”
If you are looking after a family member who is ill or disabled you may not be able to leave them while you meet with a friend, or even just pop to the shops. You may lose contact with friends and family because it’s more difficult to go out. The person you look after may be in too poor health to be left alone, or may become anxious or distressed if you go out. This is where Volunteer Befrienders come in!
Our Norfolk Befriending Service offers companionship for unpaid carers at home – perhaps to share a hobby, do some gardening together, or simply sit down with a cuppa and chat about something completely unrelated to caring. As well as much-needed company, if they wish to the carer can take a well-deserved break as the befriender can look after the person with health problems while their carer goes out. One carer said, “The match between my husband and befriender couldn’t be better. They get on well which is great as it offers me respite for a few hours a week and I’m so grateful for.” Knowing your loved one is happy and in safe hands means family members can relax and enjoy a break from caring.
Unpaid carers benefit hugely from our Befriending Service, but so do those with health problems. One carer told us, “My husband looks forward to his sessions. It gives him the opportunity to get out without me and walk and talk.” Another said, “I am so grateful my father has this support. This time in the week is his private time to talk, relax, for himself. It is all so, so vital.”
The great thing about our Befriending Service is that it is tailored to the needs of the person with health problems and their family carer. Some people need practical help as well as a chat or a break. So, some befrienders may walk the dog, collect prescriptions or help with shopping or gardening.
This Befriending Week, we would like to thank our volunteers who give up their time to help others through our Norfolk Befriending Service. Our volunteers have a variety of backgrounds and reasons why they volunteer their time. One said, “Having worked in the community I was all too aware that unpaid carers were a forgotten group of people generally.” Another explained, “Having had a very happy childhood and adulthood I feel it’s important to help others who are needing support.”
The difference they make is life-changing. One of the people using our service told us how much it means to her and her family by simply saying, “The befriending service has been a lifeline for myself and my family.”
We would love to hear from you if you are interested in volunteering for our Norfolk Befriending Service. Please see our website or email volunteering@caringtogether.org.
Befriending Week runs from 1-7 November with the purpose of raising awareness of befriending and the hugely positive impact it has in fighting loneliness.
