Friends of Wistaria Surgery in Lymington, Hampshire, offer a Befriending service to patients referred to them by the doctors and support staff at the practice.

One of their team of approved, volunteer, Befrienders then visits the patient on a regular basis to have a chat and perhaps a cup a tea but most of all just to be someone who will break the monotony and isolation that so many elderly people endure. 

Just having someone with whom to talk can be therapeutic, especially when you have not had a friendly conversation with anyone for months.

Knowing that there will be a visitor on a regular basis provides stimulus to run a duster around and get properly dressed. May not seem like much but its surprising what a difference it can make to a lonely person.

If you would like to be considered as a volunteer Befriender, please contact Jo Husband, Befriending Co-ordinator. Or complete one of the Befriending forms available in the surgery reception.

All applicants will be screened and undergo a full police check before being inducted into the Befriending Scheme. There will be some training and guidelines given before you are introduced to a person identified by the practice as someone they feel would benefit from having a regular visit from a befriender.

You will be expected to visit regularly and if this is a commitment you would not be able to keep then you might prefer to become involved in a different capacity.

Sometimes they are encouraged to attend one of the monthly coffee mornings where they will meet other Friends. A guest speaker often adds interest and a topic of conversation.

This can be a life changing experience for the patient and will make a tremendous difference to their wellbeing.

For more information please contact
Mrs Jo Husband 01590 626 552

E-mail info@friendsofwistaria.org.uk

Friends of Wistaria Surgery Befriending scheme is associated with Hampshire NeighbourCare.