Our Befriending Project offers one hour a week of companionship to older people (70 plus) who identify as feeling lonely or isolated.

A befriender can visit you at home, go out for a coffee or a walk with you, or join you for an activity.  In some cases, a befriender may be happy to use their car to take you out for a short while.  

To be eligible for a befriender, you must be aged 70 or over, living in East Renfrewshire, and not be in receipt of any other similar service. We cannot accept referrals for people living with dementia.  

A referral to the Project must be made by another organisation or professional who you are known to.  We cannot accept self referrals or referrals from family members.

If you or somebody you know would benefit from a befriender, you can read the referral criteria and see an example referral form for the Project here.

Referral forms must be completed by a professional alongside the person being referred.  We do not accept self referrals, or referrals made by family members or friends of the person being referred.

For a copy of the most up to date referral form, please use the "Contact Us" form below, email hello@mkhelpinghands.org.uk or call 07858 552 767.  One of our staff team will be happy to send a form to you and talk you through the referral process.