Service befriending lonely elderly people extended
BBCA service befriending lonely elderly people has been funded for another year.
The Redcar and Cleveland Befriending Service trains volunteers who visit isolated people and help them re-establish social connections.
Redcar and Cleveland Council said the scheme, which is run by charity Age UK, was "key" to alleviating pressures on other services by helping residents stay in their homes for longer.
The service said there had been a "constant flow of referrals", with 38 being received between July and September last year.
The contract has now been extended for another year from April at a cost of £51,137, with the previous two-year contract term set to expire at the end of next month, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Sixteen befrienders working on behalf of Age UK support elderly people within their own homes, while peer support groups staffed by volunteers also help the same individuals to reintegrate into local communities, accessing activities and opportunities.
A council report described the service as an "invaluable asset" and a "crucial role in promoting emotional wellbeing, independence" and preventing social isolation.
Volunteers, meanwhile, brought a "vast range of experiences and knowledge", while also helping to keep costs down, the report said.
Research has shown loneliness and social isolation can have a serious impact on physical health to the same extent as the likes of obesity and smoking, and also damage mental health due to the lack of interaction with others.
The World Health Organisation puts about one in four elderly people in this category.