Friends Offering Carers Understanding Support

Her face lights up and her days aren’t so empty…I think we have a close bond.  She looks forward to the days I do come….her life isn’t so empty. Just seeing that look on her face is amazing.

Quote from research into FOCUS on behalf of Volunteering England

The FOCUS scheme offers carers emotional support and friendship through a volunteer, who is matched to the carer in terms of interests, likes and dislikes, and time available for the relationship.  Some talk regularly on the phone, others meet up for coffee or a walk in the park.

All volunteers have to provide two character references and undergo a CRB check and are trained in aspects such as listening skills, maintaining confidentiality and knowing the boundaries.  The scheme co-ordinator stays in regular contact with both carer and befriender, providing information and support.  In addition, there are regular social events to which carers and befrienders are invited.

Across Poole there are around 14,000 carers, most of whom are looking after members of their own family, whether a life-time partner, an elderly parent or a grown-up child.  Caring responsibilities often take over their lives, leaving them little time to maintain former friendships, hobbies and interests.  While they are happy to care for their loved one, they can feel isolated or lonely.  FOCUS is free to all carers within the Borough of Poole, and is funded by Adult Social Services.  It reaches out to adult carers in the local community of all faiths and none.  If you are a carer who would like a befriender or someone interested in volunteering to become a befriender, contact FOCUS on 01202 745134 or email