Befriending service extended for two more years
Getty ImagesA "vital" befriending service providing company and support for elderly people has been extended for another two years.
Delivered by charity Age UK, it currently supports 24 people in the Redcar and Cleveland local authority area on a one-to-one basis in their own homes, with volunteers providing about two hours of their time each week.
A report for the local council, which funds the service, described it as "widely known and respected across the borough, with referrals coming from a broad spectrum of organisations and individuals".
In operation for eight years, it has been extended through a contract award costing the authority £153,500.
The new contract began last month and will continue until 31 March 2028 with the option of a further 12 months, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
'Sense of purpose'
The spending decision report for cabinet members said the Age UK Teesside Befriending Service was "embedded in the borough" with its longevity "a key factor in its continued success".
"Over this period, the service has built strong relationships with clients, volunteers, and referral partners, creating a trusted and reliable support network.
"The Befriending Service is a vital component of the wider adult social care system.
"Through regular companionship and meaningful engagement, the service fosters positive connections between clients and their communities, helping individuals maintain a sense of purpose and belonging."
Beyond one-to-one support, Age UK is also assisting with efforts to integrate people into the community through social activities.
