Wellbeing Friends Service

 

Wellbeing Friends is a free short-term befriending service that supports adults who may be feeling isolated, lonely, or in need of support to build confidence and reconnect with their community. 

Our trained volunteers provide regular telephone support to help people: 

  • feel less isolated 
  • build confidence 
  • explore their interests 
  • access activities and services in their local community 
  • move towards greater independence 

This service was developed during the coronavirus lockdown and has continued successfully as a key wellbeing support offer within Slough. 

Clients can be referred through Adult Social Care, community organisations, GP/Social Prescribing referrals, or through self-referral. INSERT LINK 

How the Service Works 

Wellbeing Friends typically contact clients once a week for friendly, supportive conversations. 

We deliver support through a structured 24-Weeks programme, which is designed to: 

  • build trust and understanding 
  • explore interests and strengths 
  • identify suitable community activities 
  • support individuals to take part in activities 
  • gradually move towards independence 

As a short-term service, the aim is to help individuals feel more confident and connected, so they can continue engaging with support and activities beyond befriending. 

Who the Service is For 

The Wellbeing Friends Service is: 

  • Available to anyone aged 18 and over 
  • Open to older people, carers, and those they care for 
  • Suitable for anyone feeling lonely, isolated 

Support is available Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm. 

Eligibility Criteria 

  1. Potential users of the service need to be over 18 years of age and be residents of the borough of Slough. 
  2. Potential users of the service should be those experiencing social isolation or loneliness. 
  3. Potential service users need to have expressed a desire for companionship and have agreed to be referred to the service. 
  4. Must have their own landline or mobile phone. 
  5. Must be able to hear and be understood on the phone. 
  6. Have the ability tocommit to a regular weekly call at the same time.  
  7. Potential service users need to be able to form a mutually rewarding relationship with a carefully matched volunteer befriender. 
  8. Priority will be given to those without alternative sources of regular companionship. 
  9. The needs and expectations of the service user need to beappropriate tothe service provision.  
  10. Slough CVS has a duty of care to both its service users and its volunteers; prospective service users need to agree to be contacted by a member of Slough CVS staff who will discuss and note their personal details/circumstances and will need to be prepared to participate in the assessment process.

The Befriending Service is not:  

  • A shopping service able to supply regular essentials.  
  • A replacement for paid care services.  
  • A respite service.  
  • A counselling service. 
  • A specialist service for those with memory loss, dementia or complex mental health needs. People who fall under any of these categories require a higher level of support than what the befriending service can provide, consequently, the service is regrettably not suitable for them.  
  • A crisis or emergency service (i.e. clients should not be in a crisis or in an emergency situation.) 

Wellbeing Friends Volunteers training and support 

Volunteer Training and Support 

All Wellbeing Friends volunteers receive training and ongoing support, including: 

  • Volunteer Passport Training (4 modules) 
  • Mandatory modules:  
  • Adult Safeguarding 
  • Professional Boundaries 
  • Additional in-house befriending training 

Volunteers are supported by a dedicated Wellbeing Friend Co-ordinator throughout their role. 

All volunteers undergo appropriate checks, including DBS checks, to ensure they are suitable to support vulnerable adults.

How to make a referral 

You can refer to this service by completing the referral form and emailing it to:
  📧 wellbeingteam@sloughcvs.org.uk 

The Wellbeing Co-ordinator will: 

  • review the referral 
  • contact the referrer and client 
  • match the client with a suitable volunteer 

Please ensure the eligibility criteria are reviewed before submitting a referral. 

CASE STUDIES AND REPORTS