Age UK Wiltshire is piloting a new service ‘Travel Friends’ that aims to reduce loneliness for socially isolated older people.
Supported by volunteers, Travel Friends will help clients to reconnect with their local communities, friends, and family.
“During Covid, many older people lost confidence in getting out in the community and may need support now to travel independently once again,” said a spokesperson for the charity. “Volunteers would work with an older person over a short period of time, to help them gain the confidence to access and understand bus/train timetables, as well as the community transport and Link schemes in their area.
“Travel Friends volunteers will also travel with the client at first, to help them feel confident to do so alone. All volunteers will receive training for this role and will be supported by a member of staff.”
Ginny Cooper, Services Manager at Age UK Wiltshire, says: “We are so excited about this service and how it can really make a difference to those older people who are struggling with isolation. Many people have lost their confidence to travel independently to their usual activities and clubs and are missing out on vital social connections.
“This is a wonderful volunteering opportunity to make a real difference, by just volunteering once or twice a week, for about 4 weeks for each client.
“You would be providing tailored, individual support to help someone access public or community transport for their shopping, attend local clubs or medical appointments and help them with any difficulties that they may experience on their first few trips. If you have some spare time to help others, we would love to hear from you!”
For those interested in finding out more about this volunteering role, they can call Ginny on 07500 137 135 or visit Age UK Wiltshire website – www.ageuk. org.uk/wiltshire/ ) or complete a volunteering application via the website.
For more information on the service, please contact travelfriends@ageukwiltshire.org.uk or Tel: 07500 137 135
