London Irish Centre

Befriending Service at The London Irish Centre
The aim of the London Irish Centre Befriending Service is to reduce social isolation, improving the emotional well-being of Irish clients.

The Befriending service is for older Irish clients in London with a low to moderate level of support.

Clients may feel socially isolated and are not engaged with activities in the community. Clients may not have regular personal contact with family or friends.

Befriending Service Aims & Objectives
To befriend individual clients with telephone calls (and some face to face contact when feasible)
To provide companionship and friendship
To reduce social isolation and loneliness by providing weekly telephone calls to provide stimulation and improve mental wellbeing
To increase social connection and contact with the Irish community and cultural services
To expand and enhance the client’s experience within their own community or explore and plan new experiences (if wanted by client)
To be flexible to meet the needs of the client: For companionship, to help support people to remain safe and well in their homes, to support with accessing opportunities in the community
To help the client feel happier and more independent in their situation
Why become a befriender?
• An opportunity to meet new people
• A chance to make a difference
• An increased sense of community
• Full training, a dedicated befriending handbook, and ongoing support and supervision to carry out your role effectively
• Great experience to put on your CV

Benefits for clients
• Companionship
• Emotional support
• Health benefits
• Self-esteem & confidence
• Increased social awareness
• Learning how to relate to others
• Using community resources and services

Our service is:
-Friendly

We take the time to find exactly the right befriender for each individual. We will make the best possible match, based on personality and shared experience.

-Safe

All our volunteers are carefully recruited, police checked and trained to ensure a safe, professional service.

-Flexible

Weekly sessions can be arranged for a day and time that suits the individual.

-Improves well-being

Regular calls from someone who cares can has a significant positive impact on mental and physical well-being