Befriending scheme launched

LOCAL charity Age NI hosted a barbecue in Millbrook Community Centre, Larne to celebrate the launch of its Befriending project, which supports older people at risk of loneliness and social isolation in East Antrim.

By The Newsroom

Published 19th Jul 2012, 15:00 BST

The event, supported by AES Ballylumford, was attended by over 80 people, including Age NI staff, volunteer befrienders, clients, referral agents and Northern Health and Social Care Trust teams, who all enjoyed the occasion and danced the evening away to music from local musician Eddie Campbell.

Una Mulgrew, project co-ordinator, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the launch of the befriending project and to congratulate the volunteers who successfully completed training to become Age NI befrienders.

“This is a very worthwhile initiative providing practical help, social contact and access to activities and services to lonely and isolated people. New befriending volunteers are welcome and training will be organised in September.”

To get involved or to refer someone to the service, contact Una on 0743 596 0543 or email [email protected]