The Out and About Community Service provides volunteers to isolated or lonely people or those who have little or no support. A step by step approach is used to help people build friendships and confidence, feel safe when going out, feel part of their community and safely use computers for getting online, e-mailing and online shopping
Out and About Community ServiceWho can use this service? > If you live in Somerset > Are over the age of 18 years > Are feeling isolated or lonely > Have little or no support We will link you with a volunteer for a short period of time – initially 3 months – to help you onto the road of achieving your goals. With the support of our volunteers you could: > Join a group, friendship circle or meet people with a shared interest > Build confidence to get out and about and become more independent in accessing local community services and activities > Become a volunteer yourself, supported by a mentor who will help you find the right organisation and get you started. > Be in touch with a volunteer phone, text or e-mail friend to help you feel less isolated and build your confidence > Use a computer and get on the internet to do shopping, photography, send e-mails etc. |
Some of the things our customers have asked for “I would like a volunteer to help me get internet access and show me how to use email and do online shopping” “I would like a volunteer to help me find a suitable volunteering role, check out if there is suitable access for me and accompany me until I feel confident.” “I would like a volunteer to help me to get out and about in my local community and find groups and classes that interest me and meet my needs. I will need help to arrange transport and support until I am comfortable on my own.” “I would like a volunteer to help me find groups in my local community and come with me to help me settle into them.” Who Pays? At present the service is FREE to you – volunteers travelling expenses from their home to you and return are paid by us. However, you will need to pay your own and your volunteer expenses when you are out and about or attending a group together. These expenses could be for tea or coffee, entrance fees or travelling expenses incurred. |
Steps to using this service
Step 1 – you can be recommended (referred) by someone from Somerset County Council or another organisation that you already in contact and a referral form will be sent to us for you.
OR
You can refer yourself either by completing the online self-referral form or contacting us directly:
Step 1 – you can be recommended (referred) by someone from Somerset County Council or another organisation that you already in contact and a referral form will be sent to us for you.
OR
You can refer yourself either by completing the online self-referral form or contacting us directly:
Step 2 – Once we receive your referral will contact you within 10 working days to arrange an informal and friendly face-to-face meeting at a time and place during a day that suits you
Step 3 – We will meet with you, and anyone you would like to have with you, to explain about the service and if it is suitable for your needs and goals. We may also agree with you what a volunteer can support you with.
Step 4 – Once your registration details are complete we will introduce you to your volunteer or volunteers. There may be a delay until a volunteer is available in your area.
Step 5 – Once you have been supported by your volunteer or volunteers for an agreed time (usually 3 months initially) we will contact you to review how it is going.
Step 3 – We will meet with you, and anyone you would like to have with you, to explain about the service and if it is suitable for your needs and goals. We may also agree with you what a volunteer can support you with.
Step 4 – Once your registration details are complete we will introduce you to your volunteer or volunteers. There may be a delay until a volunteer is available in your area.
Step 5 – Once you have been supported by your volunteer or volunteers for an agreed time (usually 3 months initially) we will contact you to review how it is going.