Be a friend to older folk

The initiative, which will also operate in Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey, will develop a team of befrienders to provide practical help, social contact and access to activities and services to people at risk of loneliness.

Una Mulgrew, befriending coordinator, said: “Volunteer befrienders will be asked to spend 2-4 hours per week being a friend to an older person. This could mean helping to rebuild an older person’s self confidence by taking them for a coffee or a bite to eat, encouraging them to meet other people, offering practical support by doing shopping or picking up prescriptions, or simply staying in for a chat.”

Age NI will provide training and guidance, one-to-one support and out-of-pocket expenses to those who wish to participate.

If you know someone who’d like to be a volunteer befriender or to refer someone to the service, please contact Una on 0743 596 0543 or email [email protected]