A befriender will be matched with an older person (50 and over) in their area that is isolated or lonely. They will spend time with them offering companionship to build their confidence and link them back into social activities. Many of our clients have very few visitors or people to go and see them so our volunteers spend time with someone whether through a cuppa and a chat in the clients home or a walk locally, with the hope that the volunteer will improve wellbeing, alleviate loneliness and isolation. We also run local friendship groups that the client can be linked into if able to get out and about. Some of the skills we look for in a volunteer are: An empathy with older people; reliable and trustworthy; being sensitive and supportive; flexible; Having a few hours spare each week; Being friendly; Being interested in people.

A befriender will be matched with an older person (50 and over) in their local area that is isolated or lonely. They will spend time with them offering companionship to build their confidence and link them back into social activities. Many of our clients have very few visitors or people to go and see them so our volunteers spend time with someone whether through a cuppa and a chat in the clients home or a walk locally, with the hope that the volunteer will improve wellbeing, alleviate loneliness and isolation. We also run local friendship groups that the client can be linked into if able to get out and about. Some of the skills we look for in a volunteer are: An empathy with older people; reliable and trustworthy; being sensitive and supportive; flexible; Having a few hours spare each week; Being friendly; Being interested in people.

A befriender will be matched with an older person (50 and over) in their area that is isolated or lonely. They will spend time with them offering companionship to build their confidence and link them back into social activities. Many of our clients have very few visitors or people to go and see them so our volunteers spend time with someone whether through a cuppa and a chat in the clients home or a walk locally, with the hope that the volunteer will improve wellbeing, alleviate loneliness and isolation. We also run local friendship groups that the client can be linked into if able to get out and about. Some of the skills we look for in a volunteer are: An empathy with older people; reliable and trustworthy; being sensitive and supportive; flexible; Having a few hours spare each week; Being friendly; Being interested in people.

LEAP’s Hands on Project (HOP) provides befriending and an invaluable handyperson service to isolated members of the community who are frail, elderly, disabled or have mobility problems. The handyperson service provides practical assistance with minor tasks around the home such as changing smoke detector batteries, changing light bulbs or curtains or fitting new curtain or towel rails and many other tasks that can help people live safely in their homes. Our team of volunteers carry out work they can safely do, but will not take on work that requires a professional, e.g. electrical or plumbing work Organisation aims and objectives LEAP enhances the lives of older people in our community. For the past 30 years, its befriending and handyperson services, classes and activities have provided support to help tackle the loneliness and isolation often felt by older people. LEAP also has R:evolve Recycle shops and haberdasheries that give clothes a second life, and upcycles materials to save them going straight to landfill Almost all of LEAP’s frontline activities are delivered by volunteers who are vetted and trained to deliver the charity’s services.