SERVICE DETAILS
Two's Company Befriending...
Improving quality of life through friendship
A new befriending scheme that we are launching in partnership with Linking Lives UK.
We want to stimulate and strengthen local churches by equipping them to engage in befriending relationships with isolated older people in their communities.
How does it work?
Referrals...
We accept referrals from statutory organisations such as social workers, social prescribers, GP’s and community health practitioners, charities, friends and family members or self-referrals.
Our main criteria for admission to the scheme is for there to be clear evidence of social isolation and that our service is being requested by the person concerned. We regret that we are unable to arrange visits where there is a diagnosis of advanced dementia or certain mental health conditions.
Our service is available to adults aged 65 and older living within Edinburgh. We are currently only accepting referrals in EH15 and EH7.
If you are looking to make a referral outside of these postcodes or want further details, please email our Project Coordinator here.
Please see https://edinburghcitymission.org.uk/ministry/twos-company.
Become a Befriender...
The role of a volunteer is to carry out a regular home visit or telephone call to an allocated ‘scheme member’ usually for one hour every one or two weeks. This contact is often a lifeline for those who are unable to leave their home very often, and who have little contact with others in the community.
The majority of our volunteers report that they have an extremely positive experience within their role and that they benefit from their experience as much as their allocated friend. We are keen to build on this mutual benefit and encourage all volunteers to look for opportunities to celebrate and honour the achievements and experiences of scheme members.
If you have any questions or want further details, please email our Project Coordinator at julie@edinburghcitymission.org.uk.
