I have had a lovely befriender who has visited regularly and I have met some wonderful new friends. I have enjoyed going to the lunches, afternoon teas and have to thank all those who work so hard to bring sunshine to all of us clients. I will never forget West Norfolk Befriending.

Befriending the man I had as a client was good because we got on very well. He was employed by British Rail and worked on the train that the Queen used to travel on when she came to Sandringham.

My client’s face lit up with delight when I took him to the seaside. He hadn’t been for two years since his illness.

Always wanting to volunteer I did wonder if I would have time fortnightly to commit to WNB, but as soon as I was involved I realised this would not be difficult. The people running WNB are warm and passionate; the clients are appreciative and lonely. My first client was supported by her family but no-one had the time to sit and listen to all the stories again! And with our clients being elderly their families are usually pensioners themselves. I now have clients who are friends and thoroughly enjoy the friendship of other Befrienders and the joy I bring to lonely clients.

I think befriending says it all; we provide social contact to people who live alone we provide a listening ear and our time this is why I am proud to be a volunteer for West Norfolk Befriending

One of the nicest things about Befriending is to make the client laugh. My current client says she wishes I could stay forever.

Before West Norfolk Befriending started visiting I was virtually housebound, this was due to the onset of agoraphobia. I had to depend on neighbours to do anything that needed doing outside the home. At first I did not go out when the Befriender, came to visit just talked over a cup of tea. It was then decided that the visits would be on an afternoon when someone could sit with my husband thus enabling me to go out. At first it was a bit difficult going out but, with the support given it became easier and easier, and more and more enjoyable. Being able to go out without any pressure other than to relax and enjoy the outing has given me back my confidence. Just being able to wander round the shops, sitting having a coffee and chatting is so enjoyable. Due to the support I have been given I now have enough confidence to enable me to go out on my own, something that I was unable to even contemplate previously. Without my Befriender being there for me I do not know how I would be today. From being too anxious and sometimes frightened at the thought of going out, I can now happily make appointments knowing that I will be able to keep them even if I do not have someone with me.

I am very grateful for my befriender’s visits and always look forward to our conversations. It is very important for people who are alone and feel isolated to have visits from a Befriender. It is also good that you help carers and understand that they too need help and support. Hearing bad diagnosis from the doctors or hospital is a shock, not only to the patients but the carer too, who will have to cope, possibly for years. I have felt depressed at times, but found that talking to a befriender about lots of subjects, families, gardens, and churches etc, helped so much. West Norfolk Befriending is a fantastic organisation. I hope it continues to grow and be able to help even more people in the future.

West Norfolk Befriending has given me my life back, and for that I can only say a huge thank you.