My take on Traditional Befriending/ Companionship Services

Traditional befriending services are where a "befriender” sits with typically an older person and has a chat, possibly over a cuppa. These types of services are due to an increasing issue with loneliness and isolation which research shows has a hugely negative impact on a person’s health and wellbeing.

However is sitting with someone for an hour and having a chat enough?

Occupational Therapy advocates that doing activites (occupations) that are important to us is essential for health and wellbeing. Human are meant to be DOING things ie, being active (both physically and cognitively). Research clearly shows that staying physically and mentally active is essential for long term health and wellbeing, including for older people. It is shown to support physical health including muscle strength and balance, reduce the risk of falls, support good brain health, and long term independence and quality of life.

I also advocate for a focus on getting people out of there homes due to the benefits of interacting with different people, getting fresh air, sunlight and a change of scenery.

Therefore I believe that time spent with a befriender should go beyond simply having a chat and we should be supporting people to get up and do something together… bake, clean out your cupboards, go for a walk, go out and get a cuppa, visit the library to get a book, go shopping…whatever it is that brings that person joy. And during that time enable the person to get involved and be as independent as possible, with the reassurance that support is there if needed. Enabling involvement and participation leads to a feeling of empowerment and satisfaction that is lost when someone simply does something for you.

By doing this the individual is getting a more beneficial service, one that really sees social integration back into the community, reduces loneliness, keeps people physically and mentally active and enables a sense of fulfillment and empowerment. And whilst some adaptions may have to be made, wheelchairs used, activities done in sitting etc however there are still loads of benefit even if done in an adapted way.

This is what my Enablement Support Service does. Yes you get the benefits of a “befriender” or a “companion” but it will also support you in all of the ways stated above. I am an Occupational Therapist with a background of working with people with a huge variety of physical, cognitive, sensory needs and who understands exactly how to empower someone and support your long term health and quality of life.

If you would to discuss the Enablement Support Service further feel free to contact me or call on 07424555188.