Many people live in isolation, longing for someone to talk to and befriend. The Duhallow Befriending Network was established in April of 2016 with a vision “ to provide companionship to people in their own homes and offer confidentiality and total respect for where the person is at in a non judgemental manner.”
Befriending has been proven to improve people’s mental and physical health and can be a source of reliable information and advice for older people. Most importantly, it provides service users with something to look forward to and can support people to live fuller and happier lives, whilst living independently in their own homes.
Volunteers with the Duhallow Befriending Networks have all partaken in Communications and Awareness training with tutor Ailbe Coffee as well as signing up to the Volunteer Handbook and befriending network policies. All have been Garda Vetted. The network offers a volunteer befriending service that will call to service users once a week.
The Duhallow Befriending Network complements the existing Friendly Phone Call service, which makes weekly phone calls to older people. Many have availed of this service for many years and have built up a great relationship with RSS participant Bridget Keating.
Volunteers are currently being sought to take part in this new initiative. Contact Louise on 029-60633 / louise.bourke@irdduhallow.com for further details.
