Over 9 years ago I was approached by one of the GP’s at my surgery. I’m a member of the PPG (Patient Participation Group) at Barwell and Hollycroft Surgery. The GP asked if I could help investigate trying to address the issue of loneliness.
The first things that went through my mind was that I want to help but I had no idea how to start. After looking on the Internet I came across a new scheme operating in our area. Local Area Coordinators (LAC), funded by the Leicestershire County Council, were people who had been appointed to address non-clinical needs of people in areas of deprivation.
I met up with the Local Area Coordinator, Kerry Smith, and was immediately signposted to organisations who had experience in setting up support services in the area. None of them dealt specifically with loneliness but at this stage that wasn’t the issue it was how to set up an organisation that works with volunteers. Kerry introduced me to the Rural Community Council (RCC) and to Voluntary Action Leicestershire (VAL).
Both organisations were incredibly helpful and with the support of the LAC we began to make progress with funding and information for advertising etc. Any issues I had, the LAC was the first person to contact and act as an advisor in finding more help.
It took nearly 2 years to build up the scheme we have today. Telephone Befriending seemed to tick a number of boxes – commitment maybe an hour a week, DBS check simplified and management of volunteers could be covered virtually. All of this was worked out with the LAC, RCC and VAL.
We now have over 30 volunteers acting as “Alerters” and companions, telephoning around 35 individuals who have been identified by a health professional as needing companionship. We run a weekly Chatter Chairs activity delivered by a Local Authority trainer (Regularly 28 attendees) and a monthly coffee morning for Befrienders and Befriendees. On Christmas we usually hold a lunch event as well.
I now work closely with all the LAC’s in the Hinckley and Bosworth Area who refer people to us and they act as links and sign posters to supporting other people in need. I find it difficult to think of me doing any other role that gives me such satisfaction and a smile on my face. The Barwell and Hollycroft Telephone Befrienders would not exist if it had not been for those initial contacts which signposted us to help, support and funding. So a big thank you for all the help.
To find out more about the work of our local area co-ordinators or to make contact with your local LAC visit their dedicated page.