The Royal College of General Practitioners states that loneliness is a public health epidemic and can be as bad for patients as chronic health conditions. The harm it does to our health is both physical and mental, research suggests that it is as bad for us as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Befriending services are often used by voluntary organisations to tackle loneliness. Many voluntary organisations, including some of Irish in Britain’s member organisations, have befriending programmes in place to help support the most vulnerable members of the Irish community, particularly the elderly.
Befriending is a chance to give, by offering your time and commitment to create supportive, reliable companionship with people who would otherwise be socially isolated. The experience can be equally rewarding for the Befriender, it often provides people with a new direction in life, opens up a range of activities and leads to increased self–esteem and self–confidence.
Around Britain there are befriending projects that support different groups of people including children and young people, families, and the elderly among many others.
To find your closest Irish organisation visit our website here.