What is the Redbridge Dementia Befriending Service

We aim to be flexible in our approach, wherever possible working from the perspective of the person with dementia to meet their needs – whether this be helping someone to go out for a while or simply to sit with them and share memories and interests.

Is there someone you might think benefit from befriending?

Dementia can be tremendously isolating – both for the person who has the illness and for his other carer(s). Befriending can be a means of social and emotional support and reducing this isolation, as well as provide:

• an opportunity to share a hobby, an activity and reminiscence
• an interest in someone’s life history
• the opportunity for company to play games (i.e. cards, word games)
• a walk in the garden
• or a trip to the shops

Volunteering with Redbridge Dementia Befriending Service

Volunteering as a befriender can be a very rewarding experience. The volunteer often feels that they are truly making a difference to someone’s life. We are looking for people who wish to become involved in this new project and are prepared to commit their time on a regular basis.

We do not expect you to be an expert in dementia but do ask you be prepared to use your life experience and interest in others to make that difference. In return for this, Redbridge Dementia Befriending Service commits to:

• training you for your volunteering
• provide ongoing support
• reasonable traveland out of pocket expenses
• the chance to improve the quality of someone’s life
• developing your skills

For further information and referrals:

• Jan Mitchell – Project Manager
• 020 8925 2435
• jan.mitchell@oneplaceeast.org