Friends Offering Carers Understanding Support

FOCUS is urgently in need
of volunteer Befrienders.
For more details and to download an application form, please go to our current vacanices page.

Her face lights up and her days aren’t so empty…I think we have a close bond.  She looks forward to the days I do come….her life isn’t so empty. Just seeing that look on her face is amazing.

Quote from research into FOCUS on behalf of Volunteering England

The FOCUS scheme offers carers emotional support and friendship through a volunteer, who is matched to the carer in terms of interests, likes and dislikes, and time available for the relationship.  Some talk regularly on the phone, others meet up for coffee or a walk in the park.

All volunteers have to provide two character references and undergo a CRB check and are trained in aspects such as listening skills, maintaining confidentiality and knowing the boundaries.  The scheme co-ordinator stays in regular contact with both carer and befriender, providing information and support.  In addition, there are regular social events to which carers and befrienders are invited.

Across Bournemouth and Poole there are literally thousands of carers, most of whom are looking after members of their own family, whether a life-time partner, an elderly parent or a grown-up child.  Caring responsibilities often take over their lives, leaving them little time to maintain former friendships, hobbies and interests.  While they are happy to care for their loved one, they can feel isolated or lonely. FOCUS reaches out to adult carers in the local community of all faiths and none. 

FOCUS is free to all carers in Bournemouth and Poole, and is a partnership between Faithworks Wessex , the Borough of Poole and Bounemouth Borough Council. 

If you are a carer who would like a befriender or someone interested in volunteering to become a befriender, contact FOCUS on 01202 745134 or email