About Us
Gloucester Based | Founded in 2016 | Christian Ethos
Everyone should be able to live life to the full, regardless of age or mobility!
That’s why our team of befrienders work hard to improve our customers’ quality of life by showing kindness and building friendships. This combats loneliness, strengthens intergenerational bonds and reassures you that those you love are being supported.
Who Might Benefit?
As people enter later life, some need support to maintain independence and continue enjoying their life to the full. You might have an elderly relative, friend or neighbour who would benefit from some support but wouldn’t require nursing care or assisted living.
Befriending services help you support those you know and love. Here are some examples of the different ways we help our customers:
By checking in on a customer daily or weekly, to make sure they’re okay. This can provide reassurance to family or friends who can’t check-in themselves.
By spending time with people who just want a friend to talk to.
By helping around the house and doing grocery shops.
By giving lifts to see friends or go on short trips.
Kind | Considerate | Affordable
Why We Do It
Gloucestershire Befriending Services was founded by Christians and has Christian values at its core.
The Bible often talks about the importance of looking out for everyone in society, from the youngest to the oldest. We think it’s important to build a society which cares for everyone.
Yet, 1.4 million older people struggle with long-term loneliness in England alone, and sadly the story is no different in Gloucestershire.
We don’t believe anyone should have to suffer the hardship of chronic loneliness. Which is why we exist - to turn the tide on loneliness and fill in the cracks of our society through which too many elderly people slip unnoticed.
“There are many strengths in modern society, but one of its weaknesses is the breakdown of many of the old structures and networks that supported people in times of crisis and need. Whenever we lose a strengthening element in society, we need to replace it with alternative systems as quickly as possible. Befriending schemes are a crucial part of this process, because they fill the gap that social erosion has left in the lives of so many vulnerable people.” Richard Holloway, former Bishop of Edinburgh.
If you think our befriending service could be right for you or someone you know, then please do get in touch.