Halliwell Befriending Service celebrates 30 years

Halliwell Befriending Service celebrated its 30th anniversary in style at the Roundhouse with elderly service users and supporters across the community.

More than 150 guests enjoyed a buffet, dancing and entertainment by vocalist Sheila Diamond.

And the charity looked back at three decades of offering elderly people friendship and connection.

Lisa Rayner, Coordinator at Halliwell Befriending Service, said: “When someone is referred to our befriending service, we visit them assess their needs.

“Sometimes it can be as simple as a bus pass or registering for a Ring and Ride.

(Image: Halliwell Befriending Service)

“But if you’re isolated and can’t leave your property, it’s a massive thing.

“We also run a lot of groups in our Halliwell Road community centre, like luncheon and craft clubs.

“Our aim to get people out and socialising because that interaction can help stop the isolation.”

According to Age UK, 1.4 million older people report often being lonely.

And over the years, the charity has had to deal with new issues that fuel that loneliness.

Lisa said: “We’ve had a digital drop-in that covers technology skills that older people may struggle with.

Halliwell Befriending Service staff, from left: Emma Carcione, Jackie Hallen, Lisa Rayner (Image: Halliwell Befriending Service)

“Everything has moved online and a lot of them can't access or don’t know how to use it.

“There’s been a lot of internet poverty.

“It’s also been more difficult for them to get a GP appointment in person or go to town hall.

“For some older people, that doctor’s visit was a social event.”

And the pandemic spiked loneliness levels – which continue to rise.

Lisa said: “Since coronavirus, there's been more social isolation in older people who couldn’t go out or feared it.

“After the lockdown, we're getting more people coming to our groups.

“Our befriending service has seen a lot more referrals since last year as well.

“We’ve had to reduce the age of users to 50 plus, so now we’re helping the elderly and the vulnerable.”

The charity has had a huge impact on the community in its 30 years.

Peter, 68, said: “After being discharged from hospital and moving into a bungalow in Halliwell, I found living on my own extremely difficult.

“Being a double amputee with above the knee amputations on both legs, I was permanently stuck in a wheelchair.

“I was frustrated by my total inability to make plans to go anywhere outdoors.

“Honestly, I was slowly becoming more and more depressed – until I was visited by Lisa and Emma from Halliwell Befriending Service.

“They empathised with my situation and immediately offered me considerable support.

“They completed applications for travel vouchers and bus and rail passes for me.

(Image: Halliwell Befriending Service)

“And they arranged for a befriender named Paul to visit me every week, something I enjoy very much.

“They’ve encouraged me to get involved in community days out, giving me the opportunity to make new friends.

“Their support has been invaluable.”

Margret, 92, said: “I was struggling leaving the house.

“I have no family and my only friend has passed away. 

“The doctor’s referred me to Halliwell Befriending Service and they came out to see me.

“They registered me with Ring and Ride and booked me on to the community groups at their centre.

“I have made new friends and now feel part of something again.

“It’s given me reason to look forward to waking up in the mornings. “

A spokesperson for Halliwell Befriending Service said: "As the charity looks forward to the next 30 years its mission remains clear: to ensure that every person in the community has the support, friendship, and connections they deserve.

"If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please get in touch 01204 840808 email halliwellbefriending@gmail.com."