Enabling Connections
Are you aged 50 or over and feeling isolated, disconnected, or less confident than you used to be?
What is Enabling Connections?
Enabling Connections is short-term (up to 6 months) face-to-face befriending service that helps older people regain confidence, reconnect with their community and achieve the goals that matter to them.
Through regular face-to-face visits, our trained volunteers will support you to:
- Build confidence and self-esteem
- Reconnect with local groups, activities and services
- Develop meaningful social connections
- Increase independence and community participation
- Set and achieve personal goals that matter to you
Who is Enabling Connections for?
Enabling Connections operates in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust areas. This service might be right for you if you are:
- Aged 50 years or over
- Experiencing loneliness or social isolation
- Have recently experienced a significant life event
- Are willing to engage in face-to-face visits and work towards personal goals
- Would benefit from support to rebuild confidence, increase independence and reconnect with your community
Enabling Connections is not suitable for people who:
- Are housebound
- Require long-term befriending or ongoing intensive support
- Are unable to engage in a goal setting approach
- Require specialist interventions that fall outside the scope of a volunteer-led service
- Are unlikely to benefit from a short-term intervention focused on increasing independence and social connection
Take the first step
If you, a family member, or someone you support could benefit from the Age NI Enabling Connections Programme, we’d love to hear from you. Complete our registration form or call our advice line on Freephone 0808 808 7575 to learn more.
Volunteer with Enabling Connections
Are you friendly, a good listener, and looking to support an older person in your community? Get involved with Enabling Connections as a volunteer.