BERSKHIRE Vision is celebrating five years of helping visually impaired people to foster connections and get support through one of its services.
This year marks the fifth since the launch of the telephone befriending service, which provides vital social interaction and a necessary lifeline for the people the charity supports.
It was set up in response to the challenges of the covid pandemic amid national lockdowns, and was designed initially to offer regular welfare calls including vulnerability monitoring, welfare checks, and assistance with access to food and medication.
It helped combat social isolation by offering a friendly and reassuring voice during an uncertain time to over 400 people.
By July 2022, the service had already facilitated 4,239 calls, totalling over 81,084 minutes of support.
Since then, it has continued to expand its reach and becoming a permanent fixture of the charity’s support, reaching more than 15,000 calls.
Of the service’s users, 90% report feeling less lonely, 85% said it has improved their overall wellbeing, and 80% feel more connected to their community.
Mrs Peters, who received calls from a befriender, said: “I got very fed-up during lockdown, but it was lovely to hear from Lucy when she called on Mondays.”
She started calling in March 2020 and has called every week since then.
“We talk about family and things like that and she’s just been such a support and her ringing just gives me such a supported feeling.”
Laura Mitchell, CEO at Berkshire Vision, said: “As we celebrate five years of this incredible service, we reflect on the lives it has touched.
“This service is now more than just a pandemic response, it is a lasting commitment to reducing social isolation and enhancing the wellbeing of blind and visually impaired people in our community.”
Berkshire Vision is seeking more volunteer befrienders to help sustain and expand the service.
More information about becoming a volunteer befriender is available by emailing: volunteering@berkshirevision.org.ukor calling: 0118 987 2803.
