The Harleston Information Plus Befriending Service was set up in June 2021 to help support residents who may have been feeling anxious about accessing community life following the easing of restrictions after the pandemic. The service has grown and developed and we have an active team of volunteers who regularly provide befriending to local residents within our community.
The service is designed to help improve self-confidence, emotional health and wellbeing and promote independence of individuals who may be experiencing loneliness and social isolation. The service is available to anyone over the age of 18 living in Harleston or the surrounding villages. Please view our Eligibility Criteria.
Areas covered:
Currently we can support individuals living in the following areas: Harleston, Pulham Market, Pulham St Mary, Rushall, Starston, Thorpe Abbotts, Brockdish, Needham, Wingfield, Syleham, Fressingfield, Weybread, Withersdale Street, Mendham, Homersfield, Denton, Alburgh, Wortwell and Metfield.
If you live outside these areas, we may still be able to support you if you can travel into Harleston.
What does it involve?
Individuals are matched to one of our trained volunteers who will then visit you weekly at home or arrange to meet at a local café or community group and spend quality time together, around an hour each week, providing companionship and conversation to help combat loneliness and isolation.
Meet one of our service users, who kindly shares what our Befriending Service means to her and how it has made a positive difference in her life.
How can I access the service?
Individuals wishing to access the service can complete a Befriending self referral form, or a hard copy can be obtained from the Information Centre.
External professionals or organisations can submit a Befriending professional referral form on behalf of their client.
Once a referral is received, a member of our team will be in touch to arrange a home visit.
For enquiries, please call 01379 851917 or contact us for further information.
If you are interested in volunteering for the service, please visit Volunteer with us.