Join an exciting new project that aims to provide reassurance and emotional support for older people, who are identified as being socially isolated, for up to 18 weeks after their discharge from elective surgery in hospital. 

Friendly, encouraging support from a volunteer at this time can make all the difference to restoring essential self-confidence, leading to improved health and wellbeing, and reducing re-admissions.  

Hospital Buddies will keep in touch on a regular basis, in-person and by phone, getting to know an older person, ensuring they stay positive and informed during their recovery, and helping them to access other beneficial services such as activity groups, long-term befriending and other local support networks.  

Link Age Southwark offers a full induction and access to a range of other volunteer learning opportunities. You will be part of a great team of staff and volunteers, playing a vital role in easing loneliness and promoting the independence of an older person in your community.  

Anyone over the age of 18 can become a Hospital Buddy so long as they are patient, understanding and empathetic towards the needs of older people. This opportunity might be of particular interest to those people exploring a career in Health & Social Care, Nursing or Medicine.  

Please email volunteering@linkagesouthwark.org or call 020 8299 2623 and we will be in touch to arrange an informal chat. For more information about our charity please visit our website: www.linkagesouthwark.org