The Village Voice April May 2019

HELPING THE LONELY
Loneliness is very much in the news at the
moment, we even have a Minister for
Loneliness that’s how serious the situation
has become. It’s not new of course, people
have felt loneliness in its many shapes and
forms since time immemorial so what has
changed?
This is a complex question but we can very
easily cite a number of things that have
actually made loneliness a bigger problem,
particularly among the elderly. A word
familiar to everyone is austerity. Now, this is
not a political article but the cold hard fact is
that the financial means available to our
councils have been cut significantly in recent
years and this has had it’s impact on what
services can be provided. This results in a
huge number of people who may have
qualified for help having to find this
elsewhere, if they can.
Inevitably the voluntary sector has to pick up
some of the slack and make sure that these
important services continue to be provided.
But here’s another problem, there are only
so many people able to give their help and
many small local charities report
considerable difficulties in recruiting the right
people in the numbers they need. Funding
can also be serious issue for charities, it is
interesting to note that a recent study
suggests that 1.2% of all charities get 70% of
the income donated. This is a staggering
number and illustrates how difficult it is for
some groups to continue. Add to this the fact
that austerity also impacts on what people
can give and you can see how serious the
situation has become.
But there is good news! Here in our area we
have a very robust service in the shape of the
Milford Befrienders. The service has been
running for over two years and we cover all
areas of the Parish. We have a wonderful
group of volunteers who are each matched
with a lonely person. They call on this person
once a week for a good chat and it makes a
real difference, especially where family and
friends are no longer able to offer support.
But we need more!
There is considerable demand for this service
and we need more volunteers to help meet
this demand. There’s no requirement to have
done a similar thing before, as long as you
like to have a good chat there will be room
for you!
I am very happy to have a chat on the phone
or by email if you would like to find out more
before deciding if it is for you. All of our
current team say how rewarding the work is
with some strong friendships being formed
as a result.
So please, if this strikes a chord get in touch.
Or, do you need help?
If what you have read here sounds familiar
and you find yourself feeling lonely and
isolated then please ask us to help. If you
make an enquiry there’s no obligation to
carry on if you feel it is not for you.
Experience has taught me that it is always
better to find out more about befriending
before deciding. We have helped lots of
people who were not sure in the beginning,
so make the call!
Steve Anderton, Milford Befrienders
Milford Befrienders
T: 01590 637088,
E:befrienders@steveanderton.com
Do you sometimes feel lonely?
Milford Befrienders can help. We run a
team of local volunteers who call in
regularly for a chat and a cuppa.
Please carry on reading this magazine &
you will find recent comments from
volunteer Befrienders & the
Befriendees, that show what a huge
difference this service can make.
4 To advertise call 01590 643969/07801 562358 or e-mail info@lymingtondirectory.co.uk