Could You Help Age UK's Befriending Service?

Age UK is looking for volunteers for its Befriending Service on the North Yorkshire Coast.

• Do you have a spare hour or two per week?
• Do you want to give back to the community?

The befriending project is funded by The Julia Rausing Trust, Age Uk North Yorkshire Coast & Moors has received a generous donation as part of its wider partnership with Age Uk to help fund its crucial friendship services that support older people in the local area.

This “Gift of Friendship” from the trust aims to help older people experiencing loneliness and isolation.

Recent research from Age UK highlighted just how big an issue loneliness currently is. Loneliness often stems from factors like bereavement living alone and declining health, loss of mobility or senses can leave many older people feeling disconnected while financial worries can increase existing feelings of isolation. This can have serious consequences undermining resilience and increasing risk of physical and mental illness.

As winter approaches, a season when many people are looking forward to the Christmas holidays and socialising, those unable to join in may feel even more isolated, Age UK North Yorkshire Coast & Moors friendship service provides a lifeline to the older community.

Tracey Armstrong from Age UK North Yorkshire Coast Moors said

"We're delighted to be receiving this donation from the Julia Rausing trust to support older people in the local area.

Loneliness and isolation affect so many older people in our community and we're grateful to the Julia Rausing trust for supporting our friendship services so we can help those most in need.

We need more volunteers in the local area and all we ask for is 1-2 hours of your time a week, I believe the best gift you can give to an elderly lonely, isolated person is your time."

To find out more about Age UK North Yorkshire Coast & Moors and its friendship services please call 01723 379058

or e-mail: tracey.armstrong@ageuknycm.org.uk

The Gift of Friendship project, operated by Age UK North Yorkshire Coast and Moors, is providing vital companionship to older people while offering a lifeline to volunteers seeking confidence and new skills.

In Filey, the initiative recently helped a woman rebuild her confidence after she separated from an abusive husband of forty-five years.

The resident, visited a local drop-in session seeking a new direction but feeling unsure of her options. Wellbeing team member Tracey Armstrong guided her towards volunteering roles in the charity's shops and the befriending scheme.

After being introduced to the shop manager she started work at the Filey charity shop the very next day. She quickly progressed to working two days a week before completing her background checks and attending an induction day to receive her volunteer badge and pin.

She now regularly takes three local women out for walks, shopping trips to Tesco, and weekly Friday lunches, even celebrating a companion's birthday with a special meal.

Tracey Armstrong said the experience has completely transformed the volunteer's outlook.

"She told me that she feels like she has a purpose in life now and her wellbeing is so much better than it was. She has made new friends with the other volunteers in the shop and has been on holiday to France with one of them and on a bus trip with another one."

Tracey Armstrong added that the project yields mutual benefits for everyone involved.

"She said that coming to the drop-in that day has changed her life and she is so glad she picked up the courage to walk through the door. Her companions speak very highly of her and enjoy the time they have together, going for lunch, shopping at Tesco and looking round the shops in Filey. The Gift of Friendship shows that it's not just helping the client but also helping the volunteer to give them purpose and feel needed in their community."

The initiative is also having a tangible impact on employment prospects for residents in Scarborough.

One volunteer, who relocated to the town three years ago, approached the charity while searching for full-time work and trying to navigate an unfamiliar area.

Through the befriending project and administrative roles, the volunteer gained crucial reception experience and received assistance in creating an up-to-date CV to apply for jobs.

In a letter of thanks to the wellbeing team, the Scarborough volunteer highlighted the welcoming environment created by the staff.

"Tracey, you were the first person I contacted at Age UK NYCM by telephone nearly three years ago. Your friendliness and kindness made a strong initial impression. You took the time to explain the various volunteering opportunities available. While seeking employment myself, you have all made me feel like part of a genuinely caring and supportive community."

The volunteer praised the wider impact of the charity's work on the coastal community and the skills gained during the process.

"During my time as a volunteer, I have gained valuable administrative and reception experience, which I believe has contributed to me securing full-time employment. Age UK NYCM performs incredibly valuable work in supporting older members of the community. It welcomes volunteers of all ages and provides opportunities to develop essential skills across various areas of the organisation."

The drop-in sessions and community support networks in Filey have been supported by financial backing from The Julia Rausing Trust and the Stay Healthy and Connected funding programme.

Organisers say this financial support has ensured the charity can continue making a significant difference to both vulnerable residents and those stepping forward to help them.

To find out more about Age UK North Yorkshire Coast & Moors and its friendship services please call 01723 379058

or e-mail: tracey.armstrong@ageuknycm.org.uk