Young at Heart seeks volunteers to support older people at home

Young at Heart is looking for kindhearted people from Newcastle and Stoke-on-Trent to make a difference to lonely and isolated people.

The project, run by Father Hudson’s Care, tackles loneliness in older people by running social groups, excursions and activities.

It has developed a new befriending scheme to reach more people in the community, especially those who struggle to get out and about. Volunteers visit people at home once a week and keep them company, having a chat over a cup of tea. These visits make a great difference to older people, bringing friendship and companionship.

There is such a demand for the service that there is currently a waiting list. So the project is appealing for more volunteers so no-one referred to them is left unsupported.

Can you spare some time to visit an older person at home and keep them company for a while? You don’t need any qualifications – just the ability to listen and show an interest in someone else’s life.

Just a simple act of visiting and talking to someone can make a real difference to their lives. And to yours.

Matt Ford, project co-ordinator, said, “If you can spare as little as an hour a week to help an older person feel less lonely we want to hear from you.”

Learn more:

To find out how to get involved, call Matt Ford on 07587 034299 or visit the Young at Heart section of Father Hudson’s website.

Volunteers will receive free training and travel expenses, as well as regular support and newsletter. All volunteers will be required to pass a DBS check and provide references before starting.

Father Hudson’s Care is a member of Caritas Archdiocese of Birmingham. You can view a list of members or visit Father Hudson’s website to find out more about their work.