This week, Sight Support Derbyshire are joining with charities across the nation to celebrate Befriending Week.
This gives us a wonderful opportunity to say a huge THANK YOU to all our amazing befriending volunteers who willingly give of their time to bring company and friendship to local older people living with sight loss who are feeling isolated at home. Having someone come to visit can make a huge difference:
“I was so lonely and sometimes felt I’d rather not wake up in the morning. I feel less lonely now knowing my befriender will visit every week”
“I cannot put into words what a difference befriending has made. She has given me a little happiness back”
It’s not just those receiving befriending support who feel better for the experience, our volunteers gain so much too:
“I’ve seen how powerful simple human connection can be. For the people I visit, it’s not just about practical help – it’s about knowing someone genuinely cares. And personally I get such a sense of purpose and fulfilment from it.”
In order to continue turning loneliness into connection we need volunteers, funds and for people who could benefit to know that this service is there for them. Can you help?
- Find out more about what’s involved in being a Befriending Volunteer by visiting our Volunteering page
- Help us to continue setting up new Be-friendships, making a huge difference to isolated older people, by making a gift on our Donations page. Any gift, however large or small, WILL make a difference.
- Find out more about the Befriending Project. If you know someone who could benefit from this kind of support, please get in touch by emailing enquiries@sightsupportderbyshire.org.uk or phone 01332 292262. Referrals can be made by anyone who feels they could benefit, by family members or carers, or by professionals
