Befriending: make a difference

By Stefanie Foreman
CSV Action Desk

Martin has made a difference in Bill's life, just by befriending

If you enjoy meeting new people, forming new friendships and have a few hours a week to spare, you could make a big difference to someone's life.

Thanet Community Support Partnership is short of volunteer befrienders and you could help.

For many elderly people living alone, life can become very lonely and everyday tasks can become difficult.

Just a short time each week, having a chat over a cuppa could make all the difference.

Back in April 2009, 91 year old Bill from Ramsgate called into the mid-morning show, complaining that there was no community spirit any more and that he needed a hand clearing and sorting his house.

BBC Kent was inundated with offers of help from our listeners and we soon organised some willing volunteers to assist Bill in getting organised.

It wasn't long before Bill's local volunteer bureau got on board and soon Tom, who was already a volunteer driver, started visiting Bill on a regular basis and both men have reaped the rewards of the new found friendship.

Martin, a young man with aspirations to develop a career in social care, also spends time each week with Bill and whilst Martin thinks of Bill as a 'walking history book', Bill is grateful that Martin makes a 'good cup of tea'.

If you think you could help someone like Bill, or would like to find out more about what the Thanet Community Support Partnership can offer, please get in touch with CSV at BBC Kent on free phone [phone].