Befriending for people aged 65+ in Central Bradford

Bradford District and Craven Mind’s befriending project, Community Companions, is now offering befriending support to people aged 65+ in the Central Bradford area.

Community Companions was set up to improve the mental wellbeing of people aged 65+ living in Baildon. Community Companions are trained volunteers who telephone or visit over-65s in their own homes to support their mental wellbeing and help them access local services Following a successful pilot, the project now helps individuals who are feeling lonely and socially isolated in Central Bradford (BD1, BD2, BD3, BD5, BD7, BD8, BD9, BD17), as well as Baildon. Bradford District and Craven Mind is running the project in partnership with the Bradford Districts CCG and the Muslim Health Service.  

In these uncertain times, many are struggling with social isolation and loneliness, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Due to the coronavirus outbreak we have temporarily changed the befriending support to telephone calls from face-to-face visits and have received great feedback. We are still taking referrals during this time. Once things return to a new kind of normal, people will be given the option of befriending face-to-face or on the telephone. A friendly phone call for one hour per week can make all the difference at this time.

One befriendee said:

My befriender makes me smile, is really helpful and I look forward to their call

To ask for a Community Companion you can refer yourself by completing the Community Companions Referral Form or ask someone else to do it for you. Referrals can also be made by your GP Surgery, District nurses, Community Matrons, Community Day Centres, Housing Officers, friends or family.

For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 07734 407210.

Posted on: 28th May 2020