22 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! HELPING HANDS Volunteering is one of the most fulfilling ways to give back to a community. Friends for Life provides friendship to elderly people living in care homes who may otherwise feel isolated or lonely. Through volunteering, local residents have the opportunity to connect with individuals in need, share meaningful experiences, and help foster a more inclusive and caring community. Friends for Life was founded in 2007 to tackle loneliness and social isolation (which can have a profound effect on physical and mental health) in Bedford’s Care homes by creating meaningful relationships between volunteers and the elderly. Studies have shown that regular social engagement can significantly improve the quality of life for elderly individuals, and for volunteers, this experience can be equally rewarding. Our activity Lead has recently been involved with 5 schools and Colleges linking them with numerous care homes in Bedford as part of their wellbeing activities or their course in Health and Social Care. Multi-generational engagement is received very well by the residents and raises awareness of the impact of age-related issues in the community. Friends for Life welcomes volunteers from all walks of life as either a one-to-one befriending volunteer or as an activities volunteer where you can help with activities such as baking and crafts or perform music or art. If you’re interested in volunteering with Friends for Life please visit their website, www.friendsforlife.org.uk where you’ll find an application form along with further information. Following an initial application and an informal interview, volunteers typically attend an orientation session to understand the charity’s values and receive training. Topics include communication skills, Dementia awareness, safeguarding, infection control and navigating any challenging emotions that may arise. You are then matched with a resident and your journey begins. Friends for Life values the contribution that the volunteers make and offers support to volunteers from our staff team along with regular coffee mornings, a Christmas party and ongoing training events. This supportive framework is invaluable, particularly for new volunteers, and helps foster a positive and committed volunteer culture within the organisation. Volunteering with Friends for Life is a chance to make a genuine connection. Every hour you spend, every smile and every story contribute to the wellbeing of Bedford’s elderly population. In a world where many people feel overlooked, Friends for Life reminds us that kindness, friendship, and community can be transformative. Making a Difference in Bedford: Volunteering with Friends for Life Charity
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