Just over a year ago Newham welcomed its first ever befriending service and residents are reaping the fruits in terms of mind, body and soul.

The Befriending Coordinator for Connect Newham Kita Berman is not only responsible for the efficient running of the service for those involved in the work, but ultimately helps to ensure that the experience for befrienders and clients is positive and safe.

She lifted the lid on how “loneliness and isolation has always been prevalent and normal in our society and everyday life and how Connect Newham is meeting this critical need that has been present for a long time but was obviously heightened by the pandemic”.

To date, more than 300 people have benefitted with the support of over 140 fully trained volunteer befrienders who may reside locally or across the United Kingdom. Ms Berman said: “Clients see the service as a unique opportunity as it’s the first time in many years they have the space to speak about what’s going on for them without judgement and with protected time other than ten minutes with their GP.”

The service is delivered via telephone and the befriender helps the client to decide how the time is spent to support their social and emotional wellbeing with friendly chats and connections with local community services such as Newham Talking Therapies or other mental health specific support.

Newham residents over 18 and who are lonely, isolated or have other vulnerabilities can access this service, as can carers working in Newham.

Ms Berman went on to explain: “The majority of referrals are from professional networks but clients or their families can also refer.” Following the referrals, clients will have a telephone assessment within five working days, to agree the support needed and to obtain background information so they can be matched with befrienders who will deliver a package of holistic care tailored to each client.

Clients can receive a 30 minutes call once weekly or fortnightly from the same befriender for a duration of 3-20 weeks, providing time to build a good relationship, understand the client’s needs and offer a consistent approach thus encouraging feelings of trust and safety. In the event of a move or relocation, clients have the choice to be referred to other befriending services.

Ms Berman said: “The project is evaluated at various points to build a bigger picture so additional funding can be created for sustainability and for other projects. For example an outreach project that was launched over two months ago to specifically work with harder to reach clients by empowering BAME organisations to run their own befriending project.”

To access this service call 020 3954 3224 (this is not an emergency service).

To volunteer, visit Age UK East London website or email the Connect Newham project directly on contact@connectnewham.org.uk

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