Befriending works. It changes lives. These are not new discoveries. But perhaps what is new is that churches are realising this is a great way to reach out and bless their communities. So, why befriending? 1. It works. Barbara*, who is in her 70’s, never...
Linking Lives Eastbourne
Linking Lives Eastbourne is a befriending service aimed at older adults who find themselves requiring some extra friendship and support, and this is provided through weekly home visits or telephone calls. We match volunteers with those who are referred to us and all volunteers are carefully selected, trained and vetted.
Our criteria for referral are over 65 years, living alone, and within Eastbourne. Please see our local website for our Volunteer application form and for ways to donate https://linkingliveseastbourne.com/
3.9M
TV only companion
500K
spend Christmas alone
9M
people lonely in UK
Referrals
We accept referrals from statutory organisations such as social workers, social prescribers, GP’s and community health practitioners, charities, friends and family members or self-referrals.
Our main criteria for admission to the scheme is for there to be clear evidence of social isolation and that our service is being requested by the person concerned. We regret that we are unable to arrange visits where there is a diagnosis of advanced dementia or certain mental health conditions.
Our service is available to older adults living within Eastbourne. For further details please contact us on 01323 406242.
We regret that we are currently closed to new referrals while we match those on our waiting list with volunteer befrienders, and assess referrals received to date.
Get Involved
The role of a volunteer is to carry out a regular home visit or telephone call to an allocated ‘scheme member’ usually for one hour every one or two weeks. This contact is often a lifeline for those who are unable to leave their home very often, and who have little contact with others in the community.
The majority of our volunteers report that they have an extremely positive experience within their role and that they benefit from their experience as much as their allocated friend. We are keen to build on this mutual benefit and encourage all volunteers to look for opportunities to celebrate and honour the achievements and experiences of scheme members.
If you would like to apply to become a volunteer, please get in touch with us using the form below or phone our coordinator.
Latest News
4 reasons why Churches are setting up befriending schemes
Befriending Increases Confidence
I recently met up with one of our Link Friends to see how she was getting on in the befriending scheme. It was encouraging to see what a difference has been made, not only to her loneliness, but also to her confidence. Please note names have been changed and the...
The Great Escaper – An Insight into the Delights & Challenges of Old Age
I was able to attend a preview this week of the film ‘The Great Escaper’ starring Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson. The film (you can see a trailer here) based on a true story, tells the story of Bernard (‘Bernie’) Jordan who ‘escapes’ (with some help from...
Contact Us
Mary Northway
Linking Lives Eastbourne, c/o St John’s Church, St John’s Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 7ND
01323 406242
eastbourne@linkinglives.uk