AGE Concern Okehampton is launching a new service to support isolated older people.

The organisation's home support and befriending service supports isolated older people by matching them with an appropriate volunteer 'befriender' who provides good company and companionship to an older person in their home, or out in the community.

The service is designed to help those who may have become isolated due to ill health, disability or social disadvantage.

Befriending often provides older people with a new direction and can open up a range of new activities.

Age Concern takes referrals from individuals or any organisations working with older people.

The person referred must be over 50 and in need of companionship due to social isolation. Volunteer do not provide personal care, cleaning, shopping or any work undertaken by skilled professionals.

What they do offer is support to clients to access these services as appropriate. Befriending acts as a complementary service alongside these professional services.

Volunteers do not need any experience or qualifications, merely a willingness to provide consistent and supportive companionship for a couple of hours each week.

To find out more, visit http://www.acot.org.uk">www.acot.org.uk or call 01837 55838.