Formby Befriending Scheme Launch Event was a great success

Over 8o people attended an event at the Methodist Church in Elbow Lane on the 20th June to celebrate the Formby Befriending Scheme becoming a registered charity.

The opening address was given by Dame Lorna Muirhead, the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside and Councillor Dave Robinson, Mayor of Sefton also came to the meeting.

Ms Nicky Speakman kindly summarised the history of the initiative, which began as part of The Formby Project in November 2013 to try to address the problem of social isolation amongst older people in the area. The benefits of the project quickly became evident and in November 2016, 3 successful years were celebrated at our monthly Coffee Club.

Since the befriending service has consolidated and become more sustainable, the name has been changed to Formby Befriending Scheme (FBS) which was registered with the Charity Commission in February 2017 (Registered Charity Number 1171771). The charity has a small group of Trustees who live in the area and a Steering Group who oversee the day to day running of the service. At the heart, however, is the strong team of volunteers who give their time to visit every week and provide a friendly face and a listening ear.

The Formby Befriending Scheme offers companionship and support to older people who are no longer able to get out as much as they used to. Our main aim is to match volunteers to older people in Formby, Hightown and Ince Blundell who might benefit from the regular companionship of a ‘befriender’. They often chat at home over a cup of tea or go together to the local shops. Volunteers may help people attend medical appointments or accompany them to local groups or events

The monthly Coffee Club is held to provide a regular meeting place for people involved in the Formby Befriending Scheme and others who perhaps live alone or simply want to make new friends. We meet on the 1st Tuesday of the month 2-4pm in the Circle Room at the rear of Formby Methodist Church on Elbow Lane.

Referrals can be made to the project from GPs, social workers and other healthcare professionals. We will also take self-referrals from the individual or from family or friends

For further information on becoming a volunteer for the scheme, making a referral or for more details about the Coffee Club please call 07437 479417 or email us at info@formbybefriendingscheme.org.uk