1. Friends
For Life
A Befriending
Service
Emma Davies â Community Befriending Co-ordinator
2. Friends for Life Project
â˘Need identified through consultation
â˘Befriending Service throughout Torfaen for lonely and
isolated people aged 50+
â˘Establishment of Community Hubs
â˘Programme of activities decided by the people
â˘Recruitment of Befrienders
3. How Does Our Project
Differ?
â˘New Partnership approach established with local
agencies Age Concern Torfaen, Torfaen Mind and
Crossroads Care
⢠Befriending encourages people to become re-engaged
with their community
⢠A âOne Stop Shopâ of information
⢠Opening doors for further opportunities
⢠Skill building identified for both clients and befrienders
â˘Community hubs will be sustainable and owned by the
community
â˘Hubs are client focused and allow engagement for all
members of the community
4. Impact of the Project
â˘In the first six months 912 people took part in activities
â˘Recruitment of 20 Befrienders aged 16-70
â˘Reduce Social Isolation
â˘Improve Confidence
â˘Development of social skills
â˘Acceptance of people
â˘Identifying gaps in the community
â˘Improved awareness of older people
â˘Healthy and active lifestyle
5. Case Study: Mr M
⢠Mr M, Suffered close bereavement
⢠Recently moved to the area
Befriending Intervention:
⢠Home befriending initiated
⢠Confidence and sense of social isolation has been reduced.
⢠Bereavement counselling also identified with partner organisation.
Quotes:
âI think that Iâve become more sociable and confident. Iâve been making friends and
have there numbers so now we call each otherâ
Client Mr M
âItâs the first time Iâve heard Dad admit what a wonderful time he is having, since
Mum died and he was actually smiling when he was talking about it. So a big
thank you to you and your team!Â
Daughter of Client Mr M
6. Access/ Integration &
Community Engagement
⢠Intergenerational projects with local schools
⢠Client become members of Friends for Life and receive
negotiated discounts with local shops and services
⢠Guests speakers attend hubs
⢠Consultation on local issues
⢠Breaking down barriers by bringing local services to clients
In Torfaen no dedicated generic service Consultation was carried out identifying a 100% need Torfaen hardest hit = redundancy & early retirement Cutbacks in community based services