Relaunch of the befriending service encourages service user to return to swimming

Since relaunching the befriending service in January, one of our volunteers has been helping her service user stay connected to the activities they enjoy.

Through our befriending service, volunteers are matched with service users to provide companionship, whether it’s sharing a love of music, chatting over a cup of tea, or going for a walk; these connections can make a real difference.

For one service user, their love of swimming has been rekindled. Jean, from Cambridge, said: “With Lucy's assistance at the Cambridge Lido, I have enjoyed getting back into swimming.

“The Lido is fantastic for visually impaired swimmers, and I feel safe, supported, and free. As the pool is 90 metres in length, I feel less anxious about doing full strokes, and I’m not going to run out of room quickly to turn at the end.

CamSight service user, Jean, said:

“All the staff have been so helpful and happy for Amber, my guide dog, to sit at the side. All the people we meet using the facility have been friendly, and it’s made such a difference in this hot weather to get out and exercise somewhere I feel safe.”

CamSight's bespoke befriending service , provides people with regular social interaction and support. 

Volunteer Lucy, was matched with Jean in the new year and has already formed a strong bond. Talking about their trips, she said:  “Recently, we went to the community yoga class at Satyam yoga. I taught Jean some key poses for her to use at the next class when we go again. The centre was incredibly accommodating and let Amber sit in the corridor while we had our class. I also helped Jean to outline the countries on some large maps in her study with a glue gun so she could learn geography of the world.

“I have learned so much about guide dogs and, of course, loved getting to know Jean too!  It’s been great to have a regular commitment which has given me a nice weekly rhythm.”

 Zoe, Senior Volunteer Coordinator for CamSight, said: "When you match a befriending pair together, it’s essential that you find out about lifestyles and interests. Hearing how Lucy and Jean have been trying yoga and swimming together is fantastic! Befriending is more than just conversations, though sometimes a good chat is all it takes to make a difference. It’s about enabling service users to reconnect with a hobby or activity they may have enjoyed before they became visually impaired and showing them how they can still try new ones.

“We are thrilled to be able to relaunch our befriending service, which we believe will make a significant difference in the lives of those who feel isolated. Our volunteers, such as Lucy, are dedicated to providing meaningful connections and support to those who need it most."

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for our befriending service, please contact the volunteering team, via email or call: 01223 420033 for more information.