Age UK Community Champions service.

The Age UK Hull Community Companions service matches lonely and isolated older people with a trained Community Companion volunteer.

The aim of the service is to reduce loneliness and isolation amongst older people by helping them to reconnect with their local communities, their friends, and family. They will support them to leave their homes using either public transport, community transport, taxis, with walking or even cycling. They will help older people
address the barriers they face in leaving their homes, such as anxiety or a lack of confidence.

Their companion will accompany them on journeys and provide empowering, gradual support to enable them to be able to take the journey alone. The support is expected to last for 6-8 weeks. They hope this service will help to increase
confidence levels, encourage independence and reduce the anxiety that many older people now experience after prolonged periods of isolation.