Befriending Services

At CRV east London , one of the ways we try to combat loneliness in later life is through our friendship services. We offer 2 different types:

Face-to-face befriending

Our volunteer befrienders will visit an older person in their home, perhaps for a cup of tea and a chat, or accompanying them to an activity (such as a trip to a cafe or social clubs). In some cases, a volunteer may accompany the older person to occasional hospital or doctor's appointments.

We are only able to provide face to face befriending services for people from Vietnam residents in London borough of Tower Hamlets

We have been supporting this elderly gentleman, Mr. DC, since 1995. In July 1989, the Vietnamese refugee program became untenable, prompting the United Nations to close all refugee camps in Southeast Asian countries. All remaining Vietnamese individuals in the camps were required to return to Vietnam under the Repatriation Program organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This scenario also unfolded in Hong Kong, where authorities sought to close Vietnamese refugee camps as the region was slated to be returned to China in 1997.

The Project 2000 was established to accommodate 2000 Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong camps settling in the UK. Mr. DC and his family were among these individuals permitted to relocate to the UK.

Upon Mr. DC's arrival in Tower Hamlets, London, our community began providing him and his family with care services. We assisted in applying for welfare benefits, registering with a local health clinic, securing social housing, and obtaining grants for home furniture and decorations.

Mr. DC actively participated in our luncheon club twice a week, consistently attending and engaging in all our activities, particularly enjoying our outing trips.

As time passed, Mr. DC aged, and his health declined. His primary health concerns included diabetes and obesity. Despite his deteriorating health, we continued facilitating access to health services such as family doctor and hospital appointments. We applied for home care services and submitted an Attendance Allowance application to secure additional financial assistance for his needs.

With the onset of Covid-19, Mr. DC's health further deteriorated, and he struggled to control his incontinence due to diabetes. Unfortunately, we found ourselves unable to provide the necessary support.

In the end, his children decided to place him in an elderly care home in Limehouse (E14), where he currently resides contentedly. However, due to his limited English proficiency, he faces challenges communicating with other residents.

Telephone friendship

CRV east London offers free telephone friendship services so you can enjoy chatting with someone over the phone, all from the comfort of your own home.

Whether you’d like to speak to someone every week, or just want to talk when the need strikes, we’re here to help.