Befriending

Free telephone social groups to make friends, chat with and support other blind and partially sighted people.

There are a number of ways we can support you. We can advise on housing, finance, health, personal life, support & care and future planning. You can call the Helpline to talk about how we can help. You can also arrange to receive a regular phone call or visit from one of our volunteers.

One to one arts interventions for people with dementia in people’s own homes (e.g. art, music, theatre, poetry); may include visits to gallery or concerts.Those referred must have an interest in the arts.**Referrals made via SystmOne MCMW**

This program aims at preventing isolation of older and vulnerable residents in RBKC by creating a supportive and empowering network of Bilingual volunteer befrienders, who shares the same culture and language of the individuals they support.

This new family befriending programme will focus on helping the parents of our children heal, build friendships and develop confidence to enable them to pursue their life goals through 1-2 hour weekly befriending sessions, often using activities such as yoga, art gallery or volunteering as a platform.

The service matches trained volunteers with people who are living with a progressive, life-limiting illness/elderly and frail to tackle isolation through social and practical support at home. The service also provides a valuable short break for carers.

The support provided is mainly companionship support, assistance accessing public transport and activities in the community such as shopping or groups.**Referrals made via SystmOne MCMW**

Individuals are matched with a volunteer befriender who visits once a week for a minimum of six months. A befriender can visit in the person’s own home or provide the support needed to venture out. Octavia support can also signpost you to other activities run in their centres.