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Good Companions aims to enhance the quality of life of individual older people by offering a trusting friendship which may, reduce isolation, build up confidence and independence, encourage involvement in their local community and to participate in new activities, widening horizons.

Older people may become increasingly isolated at home, particularly when their physical or mental health deteriorates, when relatives move away or a loved one has died. Befriending volunteers can play an invaluable role in offering friendship, reducing isolation, providing stimulation and building confidence whether in the persons home or in a residential home.

Working in partnership with other agencies locally, Good Companions hopes to enhance the quality of life for older people in Addingham, Burley in Wharfedale, Ilkley, and Menston.

Befriending Volunteers can offer to build up a rapport with the client and listen to their concerns, hopes, dreams and take an interest in their personal interests by providing:

• Companionship to individual older people living in their own home or in a residential home.
• Company and conversation, sharing a 'cuppa', reading or writing letters.
• Short-term support in the form of picking up prescriptions, library books, etc.
• Information on other relevant local support groups which may be of interest to clients
• Short-term practical and emotional support to older people if, for example, they have come home after hospital treatment such as picking up prescriptions, library books, basic shopping.

During the initial pilot year the scheme will aim to match volunteers to 'befriend' older people who are 70 years plus, living on their own who feel isolated and lonely. All volunteers will be CRB checked and provide references. There will be training and an induction prior to the volunteer being matched.

• A person can refer themselves to the scheme or through another such as a neighbour, social worker or health worker as long as they fit the criteria.
• After referral, the client is visited and an assessment is made before being matched with a volunteer.
• The Good Companions volunteer will visit the client regularly in their own home.
• If required, the Good Companions volunteer will help the client integrate with a local social group
• The client will be signposted to other local voluntary and community groups where other help and support is required.
• As well as one to one visits Good Companions hope in the future to run weekly group meetings

How can I find out more?

To download a copy of the Good Companions leaflet click here

For more information on the Good Companions befriending scheme, whether seeking friendship or interested in becoming a befriending volunteer please contact;

Mary Hamilton
Good Companions
Befriending Scheme Co-ordinator
Ilkley CVS & Good Neighbours
Riddings Hall
Riddings Road
Ilkley LS29 9LU

Tel. 01943 603348

E mail: goodcompanions@cvs.ilkley.org