We know that being a Carer can sometimes feel lonely. You might become more isolated because other people don’t understand your responsibilities or an increase in your caring role has led to you stopping doing some of the activities you used to enjoy with others.

Befrienders are volunteers who can help you feel less lonely by offering regular chats over the phone. Our befriending volunteers can provide you with companionship and understanding. You will have the chance to chat over the phone with somebody regularly or just when you need some extra contact.

All our befrienders are fully DBS checked volunteers and arrange to call you at a time that suits you.

“Sue, a befriending volunteer, at Action for Family Carers, calls me once a fortnight and we have a chat for about 20 minutes. She’s very nice and it’s lovely that she phones me up to see how I’m coping. I’m always pleased to hear her voice and I’m sure if there was something I needed she would do their best to help me. I’m very comfortable talking to her because I think she is very understanding.”

Our Befriending Service is currently available to Carers in Essex, over the age of 18. Although the Essex County Council commissioned service transferred to Age Well East, we continue to support those Carers who had already been linked with one of our befrienders.