TIME to Care

Description

Time to Care is a phone befriending programme which reaches out to older adults who are feeling isolated. The programme is delivered by trained volunteers who will: -Develop a friendly and supportive relationship -Provide telephone support to alleviate loneliness and social isolation and help to build and support, confidence and wellbeing -Engage in conversation around creating a healthy routines which contributes to wellbeing. Time to Care focuses on 4 areas which can make a real difference in keeping well and healthy especially during these challenging times: Talking; Interesting yourself in something; Movement; Eating good nutritious food.

Aim of Initiative

It is aimed at older people who are living alone, feeling lonely or isolated and would like to connect weekly with a trusted volunteer.

Who is it aimed at

It is aimed at older people who are living alone, feeling lonely or isolated and would like to connect weekly with a trusted volunteer.

Steps critical to success

1. Identifying committed volunteers
2. Identifying older people who need support
3. Matching them well through personality and shared interest.

Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. matching volunteers and clients well to facilitate relationship building
2. Staff getting to know both volunteers and older people to facilitate a good match being made
3. Identifying those older people who would benefit most from the service

Outcomes / Benefits

1. Older people have regular positive social contact
2. Older people are connected to COPE Galway services and any issues can be highlighted with staff
3. Older people have support to create/maintain a positive healthy routine