The Befriending Scheme - Lowestoft

LOWESTOFT HUB IS OPEN 

The Befriending Scheme provides friendship and learning opportunities for adults (16yrs+) from vulnerable groups, including those with mental health needs and older people, as well as our existing members with learning disabilities. We also offer various volunteering opportunities with extra support for those who need it.

Our regular drop-in centres, known as hubs, provide a place for our members to learn new skills, have fun and make friends. Running at six locations across Suffolk, the range of activities on offer is increasing all the time. Our members try their hands at drama, music and crafts, and enjoy games, cooking and relaxing over tea and biscuits.

Each Hub is run by a TBS Area Coordinator and supported by a team of dedicated volunteers. There are between 15-40 members at every Hub aged between 18 and 80!

Our Out and About sessions also run fortnightly in Lowestoft, where our members can take part in social activities in their area, such as going to the cinema, bowling, or out for dinner with their group, helping them feel more included and welcomed in the community.

Lowestoft Hub group: Every Friday 10:00am until 3:00pm, at Inspire Suffolk, Colville House, School Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 9NB

For more information, or to visit please contact Lowestoft Area Coordinator, Julie on 07906 758039

Lowestoft Out and About

Fortnightly sessions. Contact Lowestoft Area Coordinator, Julie on 07906 758039 for more info.

1-1 Befriending:

(Open to Adults with a Learning Disability / and or Autism ONLY)

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Is a One-To-One Befriender?

A Befriender is a volunteer who would like to spend some time with a member on a regular basis and provide them with friendship, company and support.  Volunteers and members may meet once a week, once a fortnight or once a month for a couple of hours. Meetings will be arranged with the support of your Link Co-ordinator.

Befrienders are there to listen and to talk with. If able to, members can get out and about with their befriender to carry out social activities including meeting for a coffee, going to the cinema amongst other things. Befrienders may also be able to visit the member at home in circumstances where the member is unable to leave their home. Members and volunteer befrienders are matched on location, hobbies and interests and personality.

All volunteers will have completed a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and will have completed an induction to the service.

What About Care and Support Needs?

The purpose of the one-to-one service is for volunteer Befrienders to provide individuals with company and companionship. Volunteers are not trained in personal care and are not responsible for addressing any personal care and support needs.

How Can I Apply For This Service?

If you would like to apply to have a befriender, or would like to refer an individual to the service, you will need to complete a referral application form.

Please download the application form from our website. Alternatively, you may call the office on 01787 371 333 to request an application form be sent to you.

You will need to return a hard copy of the application form by post to:

The Befriending Scheme

1 The Croft

Sudbury, Suffolk,

CO10 1HN

Once the application form has been received, the relevant Link Co-ordinator will be in touch to discuss eligibility. Individuals who are eligible will then go on to our waiting list for a Befriender. For individuals who are not eligible, we will do our best to signpost them to other organisations or support groups that may be better suited to their needs.

Who Can I Contact About This Service?

If you would like to know more about this service, please give us a call at the office on 01787 371 333 or email us at info@thebefriendingscheme.org.uk