Elder Tree Befriending
Elder Tree Befriending has developed a unique and innovative partnership with Plymouth City Council, Livewell Southwest and Primary Care and provides a cutting edge befriending service for vulnerable and socially isolated people over the age of 50.
Contacts details
PL4 0QP
As a charity we exist to support older people to continue to live independently in their own homes and we make a significant contribution to community cohesion and development. We are actively involved with many Statutory and Voluntary Sector organisations and we offer a weekly program of social inclusion and light impact exercise in 50 separate locations across the city. We are innovative and creative in introducing exciting new initiatives and activities.
The Five elements that make up Elder Tree Befriending
One to One Support
Our 'One to One' Befriending service supports frail and socially isolated older people who are housebound in their home with a Volunteer Befriender. We currently support over 90 individuals in this capacity. There are other criteria that must be met for 'One to One' befriending, which will be checked by our referral team during their assessment visit.
Social Inclusion Groups
We promote and support our beneficiaries to continue to live independently and make and sustain friendships through activity groups. Stimulating the minds of our beneficiaries and facilitating companionship is key. We do this through games, quizzes, crafts, choirs, coffee groups, IT sessions and lunch/supper clubs.
Active Lives
Active Lives is a preventative programme of physical activity which incorporates falls prevention that is delivered in various locations across the city. This includes: seated and standing exercise and movement classes, seated and mat based Pilates. Tai Chi sessions and a GP/Physiotherapist referred Strength & Balance programme. All sessions include time when our Project Workers can provide advice, information and signposting across a wide range of issues.
Active Men
The Active Men programme focuses on supporting and engaging with men who have limited access to social opportunities. This includes: Walking groups, Walking Football, bowling, curling, games, quizzes and activity groups. All sessions include time when our Project Workers can provide advice, information and signposting across a wide range of issues.
Volunteering
We are supported by 170 amazing volunteers and they are the beating heart and soul of our charity. They are leaders and decision makers and drive our development and direction of travel.
All our volunteers take part in a comprehensive 'in house' training and support process and all have up to date DBS clearance.
Volunteering is a two way street. You will make a real difference to someone who is likely to be lonely, isolated and desperately in need of company. You will in return get the immense satisfaction of making a real difference whilst making a telling contribution to your local community and the only cost to you will be a couple of hours of your time a week. For a vulnerable older person, you will provide a positive impact, bring a smile to their face and will likely be the highlight of their week.
For yourself - you will gain experience in community work, develop your social and team skills and you will be rewarded with the satisfaction that you are making a real difference.
Breathing Space groups
We offer a programme of weekly "Breathing Space" groups for carers and their loved ones living with dementia. Two separate spaces are available within the same venue, one for carers to have a few hours respite with peer and volunteer support, and a second one for their loved ones with an Elder Tree project worker.
- Monday afternoon
Emmanuel Church, Mannamead - Tuesday afternoon
The Elder Tree Centre, Cattedown
High St Budeaux Church Hall - Wednesday afternoon
Morice Baptist Church Hall, North Prospect - Thursday afternoon
Tothill Community Centre - Friday afternoon
Tothill Community Centre
Make a referral to Elder Tree

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Awards
- Contracted and Approved Supplier
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