LVP befriending volunteers meet lockdown friends at coffee morning

Befriending volunteers of Blackburn with Darwen’s Lancashire Volunteer Partnership (LVP) who provided a ‘lifeline’ during lockdown came together to meet their ‘friends’ for the first time.

During the Covid-19 lockdown over 100 people volunteered to support isolated residents who were struggling with loneliness and being isolated.

Friendships were formed over the phone and recently volunteers met for the first time with the people they talked to on a weekly basis and who they still continue to chat to on a weekly basis.

The LVP Community Befriending team proved to be a vital service and health professionals have encouraged more people to sign up to the service and support members of the community.

Mark Warren, Strategic Director for Adults and Health opened the Coffee Morning at Accrington Road Community Centre where people had a chance to share their stories about befriending and what it meant for them and were able to meet personally for the first time.

Mark said:

It has been a real privilege to hear first-hand the amazing stories from volunteers and the people who are benefitting from befriending and the lifeline this service provides. I would like to thank all the volunteers who dedicate their valuable time in supporting individuals and can see the impact it has had for local people.

Volunteers and clients came together for coffee and cake as well as a craft friendship rose craft activity which was led by the Adult Learning Team.

Volunteer Neil Colquhoun, said:

I have been talking to Dennis for almost three years now and I look forward to these calls every week. Today was a special day as it’s the first time we have met face-to-face. I was a bit nervous about meeting him but it’s been great.

Councillor Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Public Health, Prevention and Wellbeing, said:

This service proves to be a lifeline for those who are in need of someone to talk to and it is amazing to see that so many volunteers made such an impact during lockdown what was such a difficult time for those living alone. I would encourage those who can spare some time to sign up to the befriending service and help make a difference to the lives of lonely residents in the borough.

To find out more or to sign-up to take part in the Befriending service please visit: www.lancsvp.org.uk or email: lvp@blackburn.gov.uk.