Home Visiting Service – West Elmbridge
Friends of the Elderly Home Visiting Service was started in West Elmbridge in 2000. A team of 40 volunteers visits older people in their own homes to provide friendship and social support, thus helping to combat loneliness by providing companionship and a listening ear.
The volunteers visit 40 older people every week, in the area of Walton on Thames, Weybridge and Hersham. This service is funded by Friends of the Elderly and a grant from the North Surrey Primary Care Trust. There is active local fundraising, particularly by Christ the Prince of Peace Church and the American Women of Surrey.
We ask our volunteers to visit an older person for one hour per week. It sounds very little, but it can mean the world to them. No household tasks are undertaken - it’s a friendly chat, a listening ear and a cup of tea. However, if more help is needed the volunteer informs the manager who can access other help. Older people who would benefit from the service are referred to Friends of the Elderly by voluntary and statutory agencies in the community. Priority is given to those who live alone and/or have no family contact. This service can greatly improve older people’s quality of life and help them retain their independence.
For more information please telephone the Home Visiting Service Manager on 01932 228 631.
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Jim is 80 years old and lives alone in Walton-on-Thames with his pet dog, Rex. Jim has some mobility problems and has trouble walking. Even though he has an electronically powered vehicle, he doesn’t manage to get out often so a visit from Friends of the Elderly volunteer is a real highlight of his week.
Anne spends one hour a week of her time visiting Jim every Friday. She spends time chatting, reminiscing and the friendship has grown considerably. The friendship is mutual with Jim being full of praise for his weekly visitor: “Anne coming into my life through Friends of the Elderly has been an absolute blessing. She treats me as a friend and I know I can rely on her. It really helps me not feel isolated. It might only be officially an hour a week, but she has gone beyond that so many times.”
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