Befriends

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BEFRIENDERS GROUP

In 1995 a group of local people carried out a research programme to identify the needs of the community and the areas of work they would like to see develop within the area. It was identified in this report that people over the age of 55 years, have little or no access to person centred support. The Community Access Point is based in the heart of the community, is managed by local people and is committed to identifying and supporting the needs of the whole community. Since the project officially opened, there have been numerous requests for support and community based activities for older people living in the community. The Befriender Group was established and launched on 18th May 2001 through funding from Health Action Zone.

Anyone wishing to become a Befriender or knows of anyone who may be interested in a visit from the group please contact Anne Ramshaw on 0191 553 4020.

The Aims of the Befriender Group are:

To provide support to local people aged 55+ living in the Racecourse Estate area. The target group is directed towards people who are:

Isolated, either because of physical, social or mental health issues;
Experiencing harassment within the area;
Socially excluded and have little or no contact with families or friends.

The Objectives of the Befriender Group are:

Develop the Racecourse Befrienders Support Group;
Develop volunteer skills and confidence;
Provide training and support for volunteers;
Provide a range of training activities for local volunteers;
Encourage community participation within the area;
Identify and provide social and educational activities for older people;
Raise awareness of health and social issues within the older community;
Develop support networks within the local and wider community.

All members of the Racecourse Community Access Point Befriender Support Group undergo Police Clearance and a structured training programme prior to visiting anyone. There is a Code of Conduct and Confidentiality Policy that is adhered to and abided by at all times.