Age NI welcomes Larne befrienders

This three-year initiative, supported by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, will provide practical support, information and, most importantly, companionship.

Una Mulgrew, befriending coordinator, said: “Age NI is currently recruiting for the Autumn intake of volunteers. They will be required to attend mandatory training to equip them for their invaluable role as befrienders. This is a great opportunity to have fun, make new friends, use existing skills and learn new ones. We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the 30 volunteers who are currently supporting older people in their local communities.

“Age NI is especially keen to attract older male volunteers from the Larne area who can spend a few hours per week being a friend and making a real difference to an older person’s life, possibly going out for a walk or for ice cream, meeting new people or reconnecting with old friends, doing the shopping or picking up prescriptions. Even popping in for a chat can be a lifeline to someone on their own.”

This project operates in the Larne areas where there are a large number of older people suffering from social isolation and lonelines.

Age NI will provide volunteers with on-going support, advice and out-of-pocket expenses. To attend the training, please contact Una on 0743 596 0543 or email [email protected] or visit www.ageni.org/befriending for more information.