The agency has a small number of volunteers who are able to take on the role of ‘befriender’ to an older person who is housebound and isolated. We receive referrals for this service from social workers, health visitors etc. Our volunteer will make the first visit, by appointment, in the company of the development officer and will then make arrangements with the client for a mutually agreeable time to visit per week. Befriending visits usually last about one hour and give the client the opportunity to see a friendly face who is there solely to chat with. The agency is hoping to expand the befriending service in the near future. Volunteers are also able to accompany clients to hospital outpatient visits as an escort.