Caring Communities Safe and Well Service

Over the last year Caring Communities Safe and Well Volunteer Befrienders have continued to support those at risk of loneliness and social isolation by providing Telephone Befriending for older people. Our team of 55 Volunteer Befrienders had to quickly adapt to the changing environment when the Covid-19 crisis hit and they continued to give their free time throughout the pandemic. They have been offering a weekly telephone call to over 70 clients in the community which helps those clients to stay connected and have the opportunity to have a friendly conversation over the phone. People have been staying at home for an extended period of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic and this has increased their feelings of loneliness and had a detrimental impact on their wellbeing. This service proved to be vital over the pandemic and would not have been delivered without the dedication of our brilliant volunteers.

Caring Communities Safe & Well Service continues to support people over 65 years to reduce loneliness. The older person needs to live in the South Eastern Health and Social Care area and have limited contact with family and friends and be feeling lonely. Referrals will also be accepted for people who are in the early stages of dementia.

At this time, to reduce loneliness, the service will offer the older person a phone assessment and they can be referred to a range of other telephone befriending services including:-

• Good Morning Call (check in telephone call am)
• Age NI Check in and Chat
• Connect Me
• The Silver Line
• Macmillan Buddies
• Sightline Befriending Service

The Caring Communities Officer can also refer to a range of services in the areas of Health, Health and Wellbeing, Safe and Secure Homes and Money Matters.  Activity Packs are also available.

For further information on the service please phone 028 97566934 or email: SafeandWell@setrust.hscni.net