Connectforce Companions
Because a good chat means the world...
Connectforce Companions is our virtual befriending initiative.
Our research has shown that whilst the ability to communicate with loved ones via video calls has been a true life-line for many care home residents, there are a huge number who simply don’t have anyone to call.
There may be any number of reasons for this, but the simple fact is that a frighteningly large proportion of our elderly population describe themselves as ‘lonely’.
And the situation is not improving. In fact, according to the Campaign to End Loneliness, ‘the number of over-50s experiencing loneliness is set to reach two million by 2025/6’.
Connectforce Companions scheme is open to older people across the UK, and the process is simple:
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Connectforce will pair each older person with a volunteer ‘Companion’, with whom they will connect via weekly, 20-minute video calls.
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The pairs can talk about whatever they like - and Connectforce will be on hand to support at every stage
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Our friendly Companions are all all professionals from the arts sector. They’re confident, empathetic and open - and they often have plenty of stories to tell! They're fully trained and DBS checked
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The scheme last for 12 weeks, with the option to continue if participants so wish