Befriending

Age Concern Barnet's Befriending Service aims to provide companionship and support for the elderly who are lonely and isolated, especially due to frailty and physical disability. The primary aim of the service is to offer medium to long term emotional support and companionship. Many relationships will involve outings to shops, parks, help with paperwork and modern technology as well as a good cup of tea, a chat and a laugh.

The service covers the whole of Barnet, but if you live in an area covered by a pre-existing service or may require the services of an organisation that specialises in your area of need, you will probably initially be referred to that organisation. See links for a list of other organisations offering a befriending service in the London Borough of Barnet.

Our volunteers are representative of a wide range of ages, interests and cultures. A long term commitment from volunteers is usually necessary, but if this is not possible volunteers may be placed with clients who are temporarily housebound while recovering from illness or surgery.

If you are interested in becoming a befriender for Age Concern Barnet, contact Sian Jones, Development Manager at the Ann Owens Centre on 020 8432 1416 for further information and an application form.

All volunteers are interviewed, attend some induction training and undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check. As the scheme develops there will be an ongoing series of training courses for volunteers that will enrich the experience for themselves and their clients. The training modules will include sign posting and may be open to volunteers from other organisations who are involved in similar work.

If you are interested in having someone come to visit you in your home or know someone who will benefit from our Befriending Service, please email Sian Jones or call her on 020 8432 1416. Sian will arrange a home visit for an initial assessment and discussion about needs, interests and expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this service?
Carefully vetted volunteers are matched with elderly residents of Barnet who want and would benefit from regular companionship and emotional support. The volunteers then regularly visit their client in their homes for six months or more.

Who is eligible?
Potential users need to be aged over 55, feel isolated and live in the borough of Barnet. Priority will be given to those with no alternative sources of regular companionship. Applicants need to be able to form a meaningful relationship with a volunteer and be able to make and keep appointments.

How do I register for the service?
You or someone on your behalf needs to contact Sian Jones at Age Concern Barnet on 020 8432 1416. As she works part-time (Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays), you may need to leave a message for her with your contact details. She will ring you as soon as possible and, if you wish to proceed, arrange to visit you in your home. During the visit she will take down your details, do a brief risk assessment and get to know about your needs and interests so she can find the right volunteer for you. At the end of the meeting you will need to sign a form.

Why is the visit necessary and what is it I am signing?
Age Concern Barnet has a duty of care to both its volunteers and service users. We have to know the conditions that our volunteers will be working in. Without knowing a bit about you, your needs and interests we will not know which volunteer will be the best for you. The form you sign is to allow us to put your personal details on our database, share them with the volunteer you have agreed to have visiting you or, if needs be, the emergency services. We do not pass your details on to anyone else unless we have your permission to do so, but you have the option to let us do so in order to speed up your access to some statutory services such as occupational therapy equipment. If you would be happier to have a friend or relation present during this visit or when you first meet your volunteer, please do so.

What checks are made to ensure that the volunteer is safe to let into my home?
All volunteers are interviewed to assess their suitability and at least two written references are applied for. A Criminal Records Bureau Check is also applied for before volunteers are introduced to potential clients.

What happens next?
As soon as a suitable volunteer becomes available the volunteer coordinator will arrange to bring the volunteer to meet you. This initial meeting is to see if you are likely to get along and are both clear about what you will be doing together, when and how often.

How long will I have to wait after registration to meet a volunteer?
We anticipate that the waiting time will be anywhere from two weeks to two years, depending on how many suitable volunteers there are available to introduce you to. The more specific your requirements the longer it may take to find the right person.

Do I have a choice as to who visits me?
We will do our best to find you the right person. However, if something does not feel right after the first visit or later on, let Age Concern Barnet know as soon as possible. If it is not right for you it probably won’t be for the volunteer, so we will try again to get it right. Do not worry about offending anyone. Be honest. However, Age Concern Barnet does not condone prejudice.

What if I need to change the time of a visit?
You need to let Age Concern Barnet know as soon as possible so we can get a message to the volunteer. The best way to do this is to leave a message on the mobile number provided by the volunteer coordinator.

What can I ask my visitor to do?
Our volunteers would love to help you identify and find the services you need to improve your life and many will be only too happy to escort you to the shops or the park, write a letter, re-pot a plant and many other mutually agreed tasks. However, the service is primarily designed to offer companionship and the volunteers are not there to replace paid helpers, nor must they be asked to do a job they are not qualified to do, or which might put them at risk, such as change an electrical plug. Some volunteers will have disabilities of their own which might restrict what they are able to do for you. In most cases the help is not all one way. You might be surprised how grateful your volunteer is to have the chance to practice a new language or share your life experiences.

What information will the volunteers be given about me?
They will be given information about your health problems, medication, doctor's name, key holders, support network and your emergency contact. They may need this information in case you become seriously ill or have an accident while you were with them. They may also want this information if they suddenly lost contact with you and were worried about you. For instance, if you did not answer the door or telephone when they arrived at an arranged time they would need the means to try and find out if you were alright by checking with your doctor, neighbour, warden or, as a last resort, your next of kin and the police. They will have signed an agreement to follow Age ConcernData Protection Policy, a copy of which can be forwarded to you on request.

Do I pay for this service?
The service is free. Volunteers are not allowed to accept gifts, especially money in case it could be perceived as payment for services. It would however be appreciated if you could occasionally donate money directly to Age Concern Barnet so we can reimburse the volunteers for their expenses. Knowing they are helping make your life better is all the thanks the volunteers want. If you still wish to give them a token gesture of thanks and have any doubts about its appropriateness, ask us first.

How do I refer someone for the service?
One of three ways,
1. Forward the referral form to Sian Jones, Development Manager at the Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, East Finchley, London, N2 8LT.  Please follow this link to download a referral form.
2. Email the details requested on the form to Sian Jones.
3. Alternatively, if you have a FACE assessment form for the client it will speed things up if you fax it to 020 8349 0346 or email to Sian with the details of your involvement with the client.