BECAUSE A GOOD CHAT MEANS THE WORLD…

Do you know an older person who might benefit from a weekly 20 minute video call with a friendly creative companion?

Since Connectforce was established earlier this year, our research has shown that whilst the ability to communicate with loved ones via video calls has been a true life-line for many older people, there are a huge number who simply don’t have anyone to call.

Connectforce Companions is open to any older person who wishes to take part, and the process is simple: we will pair them with volunteer virtual ‘companions’, with whom they will communicate through weekly 20 minute video calls.

HOW CONNECTFORCE COMPANIONS HELPS:

Companionship

Increasing contact outside of their home

Creating a new friendship

It's something to look forward to each week

Building their confidence using technology

Supporting their wellbeing

HOW DOES COMPANIONS WORK:

Step 1 - Let us know you’re interested here

Step 2 - One of the Connectforce team will arrange a quick chat where we’ll task for a bit of information about you or the older person you are registering (nothing too personal or tricky - we promise!)

Step 3 - Set up a practice Zoom chat with one of the Connectforce team members

Step 4 - Pair you up with a Companion based on your shared interests at a mutually convenient time each week

Step 5 - Start chatting!

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

SANDRA, HEALTH CARE

ASSITANT

"After having spoken to her companion, Beth was the most positive and lively she has been in a really long time."

CHARLOTTE, ACTIVITIES

CO-ORDINATOR

"Betty speaks so highly of Georgia after her video calls. It's so lovely. Thank you so much for giving her the opportunity to be herself again."

LYNDSEY, CARE HOME MANAGER

"I think this initiative is absolutely fantastic and I’m willing it to be a success here, the joy on Enid’s face and in her voice yesterday was amazing."

WHAT MAKES COMPANIONS SO SPECIAL

Connectforce has a large network of creatives from personal and professional connections to the arts industry, and it’s from this network where we’ll source our volunteer Companions. Actors, musicians and artists are perfectly placed to create instant bonds with residents - they are confident communicators, and have unparalleled levels of empathy, compassion and openness. Our pilot iteration of the scheme, in which all of the Companions hailed from the arts sector, attested to this - their capacity to instigate conversations and initiate immediate connections with residents was undeniable.