Companionship: Help for those who may have stopped going out or find it difficult to talk to people
Food Train Phone Friends is a service available to all Food Train members. This service connects you with a volunteer ‘friend’ for a regular blether on the telephone, a check-in on your wellbeing, an opportunity to share any concerns and importantly a chance to share a laugh or two. Phone calls can take place weekly, fortnightly, or less often if wished.
If this sounds appealing, you can let Food Train know when signing up for another service or at any time after you start using the service. You can speak to a member of the Connects team on 0141 551 8118 or alternatively speak to a member of staff at your regional branch office, who will arrange for a member of the Connects team to give you a call. To find more information about all of the services Food Train offer in your area, visit: thefoodtrain.co.uk.
Reengage UK (previously Contact the Elderly) seeks to encourage older people who live alone, or in sheltered housing who are feeling lonely to develop social interests by bringing companionship into their lives, to help establish contact with others, and to encourage younger people to devote some of their time to helping older people find companionship and new friendship groups. Reengage arranges regular social gatherings at over 900 venues across the UK. The Call Companions and Rainbow Call Companions services bring people togther with a volunteer by phone. Find out more on the website reengage.org.uk or email info@reengage.org.uk or call on freephone number 0800 716543.
If you have stopped going out because you are no longer able to safely get out and about yourself, you should contact your local Social Work office if you haven’t already had an assessment and you think you need one. You can contact your local Social Work office by telephoning 01324 506070, or by email. You can find the details of your local social work office by visiting www.falkirk.gov.uk/places/social-work-offices.