Befriending with Respite
Our Respite and Befriending service gives Carers the opportunity to have some time to themselves, usually three hours each week, on the same day, at the same time.
They are able to do whatever they would like during this time, as long as it gives them time away from their caring role.
Our volunteers are thoroughly vetted and carefully matched to help them establish a long-term befriending relationship with the cared for person. Once we have identified a volunteer, they are able to continue going to see the same people each week for as long as the Carer needs the service and the volunteer is able to provide it.
To be eligible for the service, the Carer needs to be over 18 and providing substantial levels of care. Our volunteers are not able to provide personal care, so the person that is being looked after needs to be independent when using the toilet or have their continence managed.
We take referrals directly from Carers or family members as well as a range of professional organisations.
Carers Companion Service
We have been providing respite with befriending for many years and in that time we have recognised that some caring situations are unable to benefit from this service due to a variety of circumstances e.g. feeling uncomfortable with the presence of a stranger in their home, or personal care needs that need attending to.
The Carers Companion Service is a long-term service and the carer could receive support for as long as they need it. This service is available for carers of people with dementia in the Bexhill area and carers who are caring for people with any condition, in Hastings and St Leonards on Sea.
A carefully matched and vetted volunteer would spend time in the carer’s home, or would take the carer and the person they look after out, for example, going to the cinema, theatre, garden centre, café, pub etc., with the aim of creating a relationship with both the carer and the person they look after.
The long term aim, for those who are uncomfortable with the presence of a volunteer in the home, is for the person being cared for, to build up a relationship with the volunteer and accept them in the home, eventually enabling the carer to have some time to themselves.
Rye area Lunch Club
Is for Carers who would like to get out and meet other Carers, to share experiences and increase their support network. Carers are invited to join us and have a meal or just enjoy a drink and a chat in a supportive environment.
Our Lunch Club is once a month, on a Wednesday in various locations in the Rye area.
A staff member from the Association of Carers will be available to support at the venue and could provide information and advice.
For more information please phone Julie or Jan.
