Active and In Touch, Frome’s own charity which aims to make a real difference to the lives of older people and those who are alone in Frome and the surrounding villages, has recently embarked on a new and additional way of contacting members.
The charity say, “In addition to the already well-established activities including both Monday and Tuesday group meetings, the regular one–to-one meetings with befrienders, the visit to Weymouth, Autumn Lunch, Christmas meal, concert on Blue Monday, allotment group, plus a variety of seasonal celebrations, a telephone contact is now also being established, with effect from Monday 16th December.
“Happily this will result in more members of Active and In Touch hearing a friendly voice ensuring they are well, whilst being able to chat about their week and learn about forthcoming activities. In the first instance, three volunteers with the charity will make a regular weekly phone call to identified members. Not only will this ensure that feelings of isolation are diminished through relationships being built up, but also that if there were any concerns or problems, these could be flagged up and addressed quickly by the charity. As time progresses, the aim is for this point of contact to be expanded, with more befrienders able to make the phone calls.
“This development has been introduced not only to have a regular contact with more A & I T members, but also, ironically, because the charity is fast becoming so well known that, currently, demand is outstripping supply, with approximately four members for every one volunteer.
“To help resolve this, Active and In Touch is actively seeking additional volunteer befrienders in the area who would like to help and visit people who have, for whatever reason, become isolated or out of touch with the community around them. Is this a role for you? Could you spare a little time to bring benefit to another person’s life? Could you commit a few hours a month to volunteer for Active and In Touch?
“If you are interested in this very rewarding role, which will also bring you much fulfilment, you can find out more on the website activeandintouch.org or please contact Dougie Brown, service manager on 07539 795261 or email enquiries@activeandintouch .org
