We have three Befriending Services operating in Suffolk: Ipswich area, Lowestoft area and Sudbury area. We also have a Telephone Befriending service to offer social contact to people where visits are not possible or a telephone call is preferred. In addition, our befriending team leader works with other groups in the community who offer a visiting service.

The free Befriending Services aim to make life more fulfilling for older people who may be socially isolated, by being visited in their own home on a regular basis. Volunteers often become really good friends with those that they visit and the beneficial effect for the older person is often amazing.

Visits or calls are made weekly. Care is taken to match the interests of the older person and the volunteer as far as possible.

The Befriending Co-ordinators are available to support and advise volunteers and will match new volunteers with someone they really enjoy talking to each week.

Volunteers are encouraged to attend information and support sessions which help to develop skills and increase knowledge of issues affecting older people.

The Befriending Team Leader is available to answer any queries you may have.

Ipswich Area Tel: 01473 284254 Fax: 01473 287955
Email: suzanne.stevens@ageconcernsuffolk.org.uk

Lowestoft Area Tel: 01502 539280
Email: sharon.garcia@ageconcernsuffolk.org.uk

Sudbury Area Tel: 01787 373491
Email: daynore.cameron@ageconcernsuffolk.org.uk

Befriending Team Leader Tel: 01787 378773
Email: loretta.shewring@ageconcernsuffolk.org.uk