New Travel Friends service for older people, can you help?

Age UK Wiltshire is piloting a new service ‘Travel Friends’.

The service aims to reduce loneliness for socially isolated older people and to help them to reconnect with their local communities, friends, and family.  

“During Covid, many older people have lost confidence in getting out and about,” said a spokesperson for Age UK Wiltshire. “The service is aimed at helping people rebuild confidence of using public or community transport. This new service will support an older person by providing tailored support; a travel friend will work alongside someone to understand their needs and identify the difficulties they have.  

“If you or someone you know would be interested in finding out more about using this service, please contact Ginny Cooper at Age UK Wiltshire either by telephone, 07500 137135 or via email to travelfriends@ageukwiltshire.org.uk. Ginny will be happy to tell you about the service and discuss how we may be able to help. There is no charge for this service.  

“Travel Friends will be supported by volunteers. Age UK Wiltshire are looking for people who will be able to work with a client, over a short period of time, to help them gain the confidence to travel independently once again. A volunteer will provide support with accessing and understanding bus/train timetables, accessing Link schemes in their area and travelling 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.  

 “If you, or someone you know, would be interested in finding out more about this volunteering role please contact Ginny Cooper or Anna Angel who will be only too happy to help.” 

Contact details are: Anna or Ginny: travelfriends@ ageukwilthsire.org.uk; Ginny 07500 137 135   ginny.cooper@ageukwiltshire.org.uk