Sheltered Times News and Views for Sheltered Housing residents ISSUE 9: Summer 2016
When you need a friend In summer 2014 a survey of 400 residents showed nearly half (45 per cent) felt isolated. Reasons for isolation included single, widowed, and retired pensioners with limited contact with friends and family. Some were struggling financially, had poor health, depression or mental health concerns and poor mobility. Since 2015 Havering Council has been working with Tapestry to deliver a Befriending Scheme to reduce the feeling of isolation. Successful project A recently published report shows the project is enjoying success. For example, in November 2015 Tapestry engaged with 30 residents and within five months the number of people befriended had increased to 129, with a variety of opportunities including telephone befriending and group activities. The project is now under review to see what future improvements can be made. More information www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing
Aims of the Befriending project »» To reduce isolation strengthen positive friendships and »» To promote peer support relationships »» To promote confidence »» People access positive and independence activities and support in »» To promote access to their local community health and universal »» People receive support to services improve their emotional »» People have the choice to and mental wellbeing control the support they »» People use this service to receive feel less isolated. »» People maintain or
Outcomes of the Befriending project »» 152 people have one befriending accessed the service since »» 32 people in Havering November 2014 Sheltered Schemes »» 129 people are accessing receive befriending the service as of 4 April »» 86 other residents receive 2016 befriending »» 48 people receive »» The number of active telephone befriending befriending volunteers is »» 17 people receive group 80, spending on average, befriending a total of 128 hours and 50 minutes. »» 71 people receive one to
New officers elected The SHOUT Forum recently held elections. Paul Clark was elected Chairman, Jeff Haimov Vice-Chairman, Rosie George Secretary and Graham Broad, Treasurer.
Chairman Paul Clark Brunswick Court
Vice Chairman Jeff Haimov Beehive Court
Secretary Rosie George Charlbury Court
Treasurer Graham Broad Beehive Court