Voluntary Norfolk has joined forces with North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group (NN CCG) to provide volunteer befriending services over the next three years. NN CCG, the local NHS organisation run by family doctors that plans and buys healthcare for the local population, knows that social contact is vital for good health.
Befrienders who will be recruited and trained by Voluntary Norfolk will go out into the community to assist and support those people who have long-term health conditions or whose isolation puts them at risk.
Volunteers help to reduce social isolation by encouraging participation in leisure and social activities. The service will also support carers, offering company and contact to those they assist and allowing them the vital breaks they need to enable them to keep on caring.
As well as befriending, volunteers will offer associated practical assistance such as decorating and gardening that will also have an important part to play in helping older or vulnerable people to live independently, maintain their quality of life and help keep them out of hospital or residential care.
Said Linda Rogers, Voluntary Norfolk’s Head of Operations:
“We are delighted to have secured long-term funding for an important service that provides vital support to so many people. North Norfolk CCG has recognised that befriending is an important part of a person’s health. We are pleased that they have chosen Voluntary Norfolk to help them secure the wellbeing of North Norfolk residents.”
Voluntary Norfolk was chosen following a competitive process which set high standards for how the service would be delivered in North Norfolk. People will be identified by specially recruited Integrated Care Co-ordinators (ICCs) based around groups of practices who help co-ordinate the care of vulnerable patients, many of whom live in isolated rural areas. The volunteers will be able to support the role of the ICCs in keeping the people healthy and well.
“Visits from a volunteer befriender can stave off loneliness help to prevent depression. A volunteer who clears a path may prevent an older person from tripping, allowing them to continue to lead an active and independent life. Befriending isn’t just about a cup of tea and a cosy chat. That’s really important but befrienders are equally likely to help the person understand their medication regime, arrange for the chiropodist to call, or help them to access additional health and social services,” said Linda Rogers.
Dr Anoop Dhesi, GP in Stalham and Chairman of the North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group said:
“As a GP in North Norfolk I see the effects loneliness can have on a person’s life on a daily basis, but there has been little we as doctors can do to help. I am very glad that the CCG has commissioned this support and that it will now be offered to our most vulnerable older people. It will be an important factor in keeping them and their carers healthy and independent.”
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