beFriend scheme relaunch event in Upper Beeding

The successful Link Visiting Scheme for older people in Steyning, Upper Beeding and Bramber has been adapted for families.

The new visiting service, now called beFriend, was launched in The Hub Café in Upper Beeding. 

More than 60 people, including representatives from West Sussex County Council, Horsham District Council, Sussex Police, schools, and children and family services, joined volunteers and members of The Hub to hear more.

The Rev Peter Butchers, leader of The Hub, explained beFriend was an initiative to combat isolation by connecting people.

Debbie Wood, seniors worker for The Hub, added: “beFriend links people across the spectrum of society who would benefit from extra support or friendship with a volunteer from within the community. 

“Their role is to draw alongside, listen and help them to find solutions to daily challenges.”

West Sussex cabinet member David Barling and Horsham community development officer Rachel Evans spoke about the great need for such a service.

For more details, email The Hub at [email protected]

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.wscountytimes.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wscountytimes

3 Follow us on Twitter @wscountytimes

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

The County Times – always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.