Logo

 

Banner Image:   National-News-banner-Purple
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet


New telephone befriending tool launched 


A new telephone befriending project which enables local churches to reach those particularly impacted by self-isolation has launched

 

Two's Company Logo


‘Two’s Company’ has been developed by national Christian charity Linking Lives UK.

The charity says the approach provides a tried, tested, straightforward and safe process for local churches to ensure that people within their local communities, who are particularly at risk at this time, can receive regular telephone contact from a member of their congregation. These calls could provide a real lifeline for those who have few family members or close friends.

The model, which has been developed over recent weeks, is based on a home visiting approach which has been used by Linking Lives UK, to develop 35 face to face befriending projects since 2010.

National Director, Jeremy Sharpe, said, ‘When it became clear that Covid-19 was going to have such a significant impact, we recognised that we needed to adapt our core processes, and also consider ways in which we could serve churches at this challenging time. ‘Two’s Company’, therefore, began to emerge as a way in which local churches could use their resources, local knowledge and contacts in a way which demonstrates the love of God in a very practical way to those most on the margins at this time.’

The new initiative encourages partnerships with existing organisations on a local level, and recommends using volunteer telephone befrienders who have already been vetted for previous roles by the church. Each church or organisation running the telephone befriending service will require a coordinator and a dedicated phone line (advice is provided about creating Freephone numbers). Training is provided via video conferencing by Linking Lives UK to local coordinators and is, in turn, ‘cascaded’ to volunteers within the local church.

There is no charge for accessing the package, although partner churches are invited to make a donation towards the costs of developing and running the service.

It has recently been piloted in four communities in England, Wales and Scotland.  

The Revd Dr Chris Steed, the Team Rector of one of the churches piloting the initiative explains ‘the project is going live already in Calmore, on the edge of Southampton with a pool of volunteers and a Helpline that is being publicised in the community and through local schools. Being able to make use of this tailored approach has enabled us to respond quickly and effectively in engaging with local volunteers and those requesting regular calls.’

Linking Lives UK expects that, particularly for those groups of people with specific health conditions, or in a particular age bracket, there will continue to be a period of ‘shielding’ for some time to come. The charity expects, however, that there will be longer term implications to the current situation in relation to mental and physical health as well as a greater interest in questions of life and death and that churches will continue to have a crucial role to play in responding to these key issues.
 

Anyone representing a church or Christian organisation can request an introductory pack at www.linkinglives.uk or email twoscompany@linkinglives.uk 


Baptist Times, 07/05/2020
    Post     Tweet
Publishing milestone as first Dyslexia-Friendly Bible completed 
For the first time ever, the whole Bible has been made available in a dyslexia-friendly format
Churches defend integrity over asylum seeker welcome at Select Committee
The Biblical motivations for why Baptist churches are supporting vulnerable asylum seekers – and the difficult ramifications at being featured in the national press for doing so – were shared with MPs
Fresh Streams to host prayer and fasting gatherings for our Baptist movement 
Churches and church leaders in relationship with Fresh Streams are hosting 11 prayer and fasting gatherings across 10 Associations on Thursday, 14 March
New church planting programme at St Hild
In conjunction with Asbury Seminary, USA and the Centre of Church Multiplication in London, the St Hild Centre for Church Planting is launching a professional doctorate programme in Church Planting in Post-Christendom Europe
Churches to champion voter registration 
As a General Election approaches, a new initiative has launched that will equip local churches to increase democratic participation through registering people to vote
Inter Faith Network to close 
The Inter Faith Network for the UK Board has announced the closure of the charity due to withdrawal of government funding
     Latest News 
    Posted: 26/02/2024
    Posted: 08/12/2023