This is a free service. To make a referral, or enquire for yourself, please ring the Befriending team at CARM on 01233 758122 or email us below:
CARM’s befriending service provides regular home visits or telephone calls by volunteers for people who have become socially isolated due to old age, ill health, disability or bereavement. We prioritise visiting those who live alone.
The home visits or telephone calls are usually weekly and offer friendship and company to help improve the well-being of people in the local community. One of our clients said ‘Having a home visit gives me something to look forward to in the middle of the week. I wish more people could benefit but there are so many lonely people who don't know about this and are afraid to ask for help or feel too proud to ask.’
Our volunteers have had a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, provided referees and completed a short induction session. On-going volunteer support is provided by a paid Service Co-ordinator.
When asked about volunteering for CARM a volunteer said ‘I feel privileged to be a visitor as I enjoy meeting people and it is often very humbling to learn about people's lives in times past. It is very rewarding when you visit someone to see the pleasure it gives them to have someone to talk and laugh with. People become friends not just clients. An altogether satisfying role to have.’
CARM’s befriending service covers the Romney Marsh, Tenterden and rural South Ashford areas.
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The word ‘loneliness’ expresses the pain of being alone