Deafblind UK Befriender Service

Deafblind UK's Befriender Service aims to remove the social isolation that can occur for those with combined sight and hearing loss along with enhancing the individual's quality of life. 

They do this by linking them with a volunteer 'befriender' to meet socially or establish contact by email or telephone on a regular basis.

Following an introduction made by Deafblind UK, volunteer befrienders will regularly visit people with combined sight and hearing loss, helping them to do more of the things they enjoy.

This could include a visit to the local cafe, leisure activities such as rambling, a cup of tea and chat, or help with information technologies.

Dementia UK's Befriender service also offers telephone and email befriending so you can choose the option that best suits you.

The Befriender Service has been set up for those with a combined sight and hearing loss who are feeling lonely and would like the support of a friend.

With this service Dementia UK is also keen to help those recently diagnosed with combined sight and hearing loss, using the befriending process as a means to prevent social isolation.

Referrals and next steps

Self-referrals are accepted as are referrals from a range of professionals.

Once a referral form has been received one of our Befriender Project Officers will be in contact with you to arrange a date and time to assess suitability, explain how the service works and answer any questions you may have.

The assessments are used to discuss and identify how the service can benefit you.

The success of the Befriender scheme is based on the compatibility of the volunteer and the person with sight and hearing loss and does not work on a 'first come, first served' basis.

That is why it is important that in the initial assessment we find out your interests and hobbies so that we can determine a suitable match.

The project officer will then arrange for you to meet the volunteer befriender.