Staying Connected

Befriending/Mentoring

Are you over 60 and living with Arthritis and/or have other long term conditions?

Are you living with pain?

Are you feeling isolated?

There are at least 289,000 people inNorthern Irelandliving with Arthritis.  Arthritis is not life threatening, but it can be life changing.  Arthritis not only affects a person physically but also emotionally and socially. 

 

What is the Staying Connected Mentoring/Befriending Service?

Arthritis Care’s new specialist mentoring/befriending service is designed to help the older person learn ways to manage and cope better with their condition.  It also aims to help carers to cope better with the demands of their caring role. 

Arthritis Care volunteers are ordinary people who live with arthritis and/or other long term conditions so understand the difficulties of coping with a condition such as arthritis.

  

Outcome of The Service

A lady who is 82 years has just completed 8 weeks of the service. 

At week 1 she had restricted mobility, was isolated and had lost a lot of her confidence and self esteem. 

I was taken her through self management techniques during her 7 weeks (e.g. goal setting, problem solving, CBE, preventing falls, conscious breathing, relaxation, good night sleep, getting through the day).  

By week 3 she had gained some of mobility and had start to go out for short walk.  Whilst on these outings she started to meet with a few friends for coffee.  Her mood and confidence improved and she was in great spirits. 

She has just completed evaluation form which she comments that through the programme she has gained more confidence in herself and how to cope with her condition.  Her social life has improved and at week 8 we went to visit a club in her area.  She thoroughly enjoyed the Over 55 Club and met a few ladies who she already knew.

Her comments on the service were this project has helped me a lot, it is good to talk to someone who can explain things, at first I was isolated but not now, my mental health and well-being is a lot better now. I have learned to manage my condition which was getting me down and I love the visits. 

The volunteer who delivered the program also found it very rewarding when she seen the different it made to the lady overall. 

For volunteering no specific qualifications are necessary as full training will be provided.   All we ask is that you have enthusiasm to support others and a caring nature. 

Do you have two hours a week to spare? 

Do you want to make a difference to someone’s life? 

Do you want to develop new skills? 

Why not consider becoming a volunteer? 

All volunteer expenses will be reimbursed

 

If you are interested in availing of the program or for a volunteer pack or further information please contact 

Mary McConville

Project Manager

Phone: 028 9078 2940

Email: [email protected]

Last updated 9 years 1 month ago