One-to-One Scheme, Older Active People - Engaging befriending volunteers
about the project
Older Active People (OAP) supports local older people in inner North West Leeds, a highly transient community with a large student population. The impact of a large number of students living in the area has disrupted community life, so that there is a lack of neighbourliness, mutual helping, support and isolation. As a result, OAP set up the One-to-One scheme to introduce socially isolated older people to local students and young professionals. The scheme has been running for over six years:
“I became a volunteer because I wanted to relate more with my local community and felt that the older generation was a section of society I wouldn’t ordinarily interact with” Alexa, local volunteer, who visits Jean.
Older Active People works in partnership with a range of agencies that identify older people who would benefit from OAP’s services. Older people are also approached by existing OAP members and staff at various community events and clients can also self-refer.
Penny, a relative of Jean (One-to-One client) said: “Because I live three and a half hours drive away, it’s particularly helpful for me to know that Hayley will go to see Jean… it strikes me how many people must be in similar need in a fractured and transient society like Headingley”.
“I became a volunteer because I wanted to relate more with my local community and felt that the older generation was a section of society I wouldn’t ordinarily interact with” Alexa, local volunteer, who visits Jean.
Older Active People works in partnership with a range of agencies that identify older people who would benefit from OAP’s services. Older people are also approached by existing OAP members and staff at various community events and clients can also self-refer.
Penny, a relative of Jean (One-to-One client) said: “Because I live three and a half hours drive away, it’s particularly helpful for me to know that Hayley will go to see Jean… it strikes me how many people must be in similar need in a fractured and transient society like Headingley”.
approach to befriending
“…Prospective volunteers’ lack of experience with the client group and knowledge of the problems older people face”.
He says that this has led to problems keeping prospective volunteers engaged with the scheme. Older Active People therefore implemented an in-depth evaluation into the relationships formed between volunteer and client. The evaluations highlighted that some volunteers felt that more provision should be made available for preparation, training and support of volunteers. After the initial evaluation the Intergeneration Development Worker consulted with current volunteers, which resulted in changes being made to the induction process.
Now, once a volunteer has completed a successful application form and CRB check, they are invited to meet with a current One-to-One volunteer, to get advice on how to create a successful relationship with a client. Volunteers are also invited to help out with either a Lunch Club or Shopping Service in order to give the volunteer a chance to get used to working with older people.
If a client has been assessed and shown that they suffer from dementia, further training for volunteers is available from the Alzheimer’s Society and involves a one-hour session. This training is available as and when it is needed.
benefits
“The new methods have only been in operation for six months. In that time we have found that volunteer retention has improved. We hope over the next twelve months to double the number of current volunteers from 10 to 20”.
Hilda, a 103 year old client of OAP says:
“I enjoy the company very much as I am alone more often than not and I certainly wouldn’t want anyone to stop visiting me. Having visitors gives me something to look forward to”.
project details
- Name - Older Active People - The One to One Befriending Scheme
- Project type - Befriending
- Location - Leeds, Yorkshire
- Website - www.olderactivepeople.org.uk
- Phone - 0113 274 9154
