Mission Statement

'To improve the quality of life of older people in Swaffham and the villages nearby'

The Hospital Buddy Service help people over the age of 65, living within the local community who are socially or geographically isolated, lonely, or have no family or friendly support to assist in their attendance at GP, dentist, or hospital clinic appointments.

Hospital Buddy Clients - Process

1.  Call or email
2. Book an assessment with the coordinator
3. Once you have been assessed for eligibility to the Hospital Buddy Service, we will match a volunteer driver to you.  You be matched to a different driver each time as all volunteers are subject to availability.
4. You will be given the name of your volunteer driver and expected pick up time before your journey.

Please note - Our service is free to eligible clients, although we do accept contributions and/or donations towards costs...

• Hospital Buddies do not take the place of carers and must not be requested to undertake personal care.
• Clients are over 65 and live within a 10 mile radius of Swaffham
• Volunteers will not lift you e.g. into wheelchairs, unless properly trained to do so.
• Only those agreed passengers will be transported by the volunteer. No other passengers will be taken without prior agreement with the Hospital Buddy Coordinator.
• We would expect all our volunteers and clients to refrain from smoking in the vehicle and nor to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 
• The service is for journeys to and from a clinic appointment only and no detours or stops will be made.
• Under no circumstances should a volunteer be asked to administer medication.
• We are not an emergency service and do require a minimum of 1 weeks notice to arrange a suitable driver for you.

Befriending

Norfolk has the second highest percentage of older people in the country, and that’s particularly so for Swaffham and area. Older individuals living alone often are widowed, or their children if any, might live distances that prohibit frequent contact. This creates much loneliness which in turn encourages depression. Loneliness can whither the dignity of remaining independent, and that’s where befriending can make so much difference! Swaffham Support Services volunteer Befrienders visit those people who are lonely and the time shared becomes mutually beneficial. People need to connect with other people, and that’s why we’re here.

The Befriending Service is aimed at improving the quality of life for lonely older people through support and friendship during regular one to one befriending in the Client’s own home. Age Concern Swaffham & District has provided a successful Befriending Service for the past twelve years (2006-2018), the last five years having been funded largely by the Big Lottery.

Contact Information:

Brad Stein

Project Manager & Befriending Service Manager

Tel: 07412 775574

befriendingageconcernswaffham@outlook.com

Donna Adcock

Hospital Buddy Coordinator

Telephone: 07393 981290

hospitalbuddiesageconcernswaffham@outlook.com