The new service, officially launched in July at Magnolia Park Care Home in Ramsey, was celebrated with the Mayor of Ramsey, Val Fendley, local organisations, community representatives, dignitaries, and members of the Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough team, including trustees and the CEO and deputy CEO.ย
Now, the charity is looking to recruit volunteer befrienders who can spare just one hour each week to visit an older person living in a care or nursing home. Through regular visits, volunteers provide companionship, conversation and friendship, helping to brighten someoneโs day and make a lasting difference to their well-being.ย
Loneliness is a growing issue in UK care homes, with around 80% of residents reporting feelings of loneliness, while 60% receive no visitors at all. For many residents, a friendly face and a regular chat can become the highlight of their week.ย ย
Kirsty Luckham,ย Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough'sย Care Home Befriendingย ย Co-ordinatorย said:ย
Our Care Home Befriending Service is about creating meaningful friendships that transform lives. Weโre looking for kind-hearted volunteers who can give just an hour of their time each week, to help an older person feel valued, connected and less alone. You donโt need any special experience โ just a friendly smile, a listening ear and a willingness to make a difference. Together we can turn loneliness into friendship, one visit at a time.
As well as recruiting volunteers, Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is inviting care and nursing homes across the area to join the Befriending Scheme. Partnering with the service brings meaningful companionship to residents, helping to boost well-being, reduce loneliness and create a more vibrant and caring community within the home.ย
The charity is also encouraging local people to make referrals. If you know an older person living in a care or nursing home who may be feeling lonely or isolated, they could benefit from being matched with a volunteer befriender.ย
Whether you would like to become a volunteer, register your care or nursing home, make a referral, or simply find out more about the Care Home Befriending Service, Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough would love to hear from you.ย
For more information, please email friendships@ageukcap.org.uk or call 0300 666 9860ย