Sandwell Advocacy is delighted to celebrate receiving our 450th referral on our Sandwell Together project.
Having received an average of 78 referrals a year since starting the project back in 2020, this year we have received referrals from a wide range of sources including domestic abuse services, support workers, therapeutic services, occupational therapists, medical services, family members and self-referrals.
What began as a response to loneliness and isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to make a difference today. Our Telephone Befriending service provides regular weekly calls to Sandwell residents who are housebound or experiencing loneliness and social isolation. Although the majority of people we support are aged 55 and over, our beneficiaries range from their mid-20s to mid-90s, with an average age of 69 years.
Our 30 volunteers dedicate around an hour a week to making befriending calls. Carefully matched with beneficiaries who have similar interests, helping to build rapport and lasting connections. Following the recruitment of four new volunteers, we are also pleased to have several more joining the recruitment process, ensuring we can continue to meet the demand for the service.
An important part of our service is the quality audits that are carried out by our Business Support Officer, Sharon. These audits allow beneficiaries to share their experiences of Telephone Befriending, helping us monitor satisfaction levels and ensure the support provided continues to meet their needs. Feedback received also helps us identify opportunities to further enhance the service.
Here is some of the feedback we have received:
Andria has many health issues and can feel isolated. Bonnie makes a real difference to Andria’s feelings of loneliness and Andria feels that she has a friend. “Bonnie is lovely and so easy to talk to”
Carl feels very anxious and Dan’s calls make him feel that someone cares and although the calls are short, he feels that he has made a friend.
Absolutely great service, really appreciate the time that Toby gives up – really pleased and there is no cost too which is great for someone on a limited budget.
Sandra has anxiety and can sometimes struggle to speak to people. Yvonne does not judge her and she feels safe when she calls, Yvonne is an absolutely amazing person.
I look forward to it, Julie is not like a stranger, I can say anything to her, Julie has given me the confidence to open up, I trust her with my life.
* Names in the quotes have been changed to protect anonymity
If you are a Sandwell resident experiencing feelings of loneliness or social isolation, our Sandwell Together project may be able to help through regular telephone support. Please get in touch to find out more.
Or if you have some free time and would like to spend an hour a week volunteering to make these much-needed calls – find out more here Sandwell Together project page.