Southern Befrienders offers a vital service to our local community. We provide empathetic and caring support with on-going, regular companionship. Participation in our social events promotes independence, boosts confidence and a feeling of well-being. We liaise with and if needed, support our members’ families.
Loneliness to someone in their 80s can be as detrimental as excessive smoking or alcohol. Loneliness can impact on mental health, leading to a lack of confidence or even depression. Loneliness may be compounded by bereavement, mobility issues, moving into residential care in an area away from friends and family, or having to care for a spouse with a long-term medical condition.
Try to imagine what you would feel like if you were unable to leave the house; no-one came to visit you, no-one rang you and you had no-one to call. Imagine if you had no computer or tablet, no smart phone – no social media, no opportunity to chat on-line. What if your only companionship was the TV – with limited channels because the area where you live gets poor reception? How long could you last? Half an hour? Half a day? A full day? The reality for many of our members is that they can go as long as 10 days or longer without any type of interaction with another person. How would that make you feel?
