Befriending Services
Helping Individuals Stay Well and Supported
SIWEC offers health-related assistance to individuals who may be elderly, isolated, or financially limited. Through screenings, referrals, and essential aid, we help ensure that health support reaches those who might otherwise go without.
SIWEC’s Befriending Services focuses on providing social, emotional, and psychological support to those who need it most
We reach out to patients in hospitals, seniors living alone, and residents of nursing and disability homes, many of whom may not have regular contact with family or friends. Our goal is to bring comfort, connection, and care to their daily lives.
Where possible, we also arrange for clients to enjoy simple, freshly prepared Punjabi meals. These are lovingly made by volunteers at home or in the Gurdwara kitchen and delivered to those we support. It’s a small gesture, but one that brings warmth, familiarity, and a sense of being remembered.
Patients in Hospitals
Friendly visits to offer comfort, conversation, and emotional support during recovery.
Seniors Living Alone
Regular check-ins to reduce isolation and ensure seniors feel seen and supported.
Residents in Homes
Meaningful visits to bring warmth, connection, and care to long-term residents.
Befriending Visits
In our ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by seniors, particularly those affected by frailty or disability related to ageing, we recognize the critical role of companionship in mitigating feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Many seniors may reside in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, or live alone at home, facing prolonged periods of social isolation which can lead to anxiety and depression.
Recognising this reality, we are committed to providing befriending support to lonely seniors. In 2024, Sikh Welfare Council engaged with 61 seniors through our befriending programme. These seniors were regularly engaged by our Healthcare Ambassador, Madam Kartar Kaur.
In cases where in-person visits were not feasible, we facilitated 206 tele-chat sessions to ensure continued engagement with the seniors. These interactions have had a positive impact on the mental well-being of the seniors, who greatly appreciate the companionship and support provided by Madam Kartar Kaur and our team.
| Venue | No. of Residents | Befriending Visits 2024 | No. of Residents | Befriending Visits 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institutions | 29 | 208 | 26 | 130 |
| Place of Residence | 32 | 252 | 24 | 232 |
| Hospitals | - | 41 | - | 33 |
| Tele-Visits/Chats | - | 206 | - | 382 |
| Total | 61 | 707 | 50 | 777 |
Throughout our collaboration, we have been consistently impressed by the exceptional service provided by M Kartar Kaur. From the outset, her approach has been patient, responsive and dedicated to ensuring the well-being of the resident,fostering a supportive and compassionate environment, and demonstrating unwavering commitment to enhancing her quality of life. It has truly been a pleasure working with Ms Kartar Kaur and we look forward to continuing our partnership. We are deeply grateful for the excellent service she continues to provide to our residents.”
Know someone who needs help?
If you know someone who is unwell, isolated, or in need of regular support, whether at home, in hospital, or in a care facility, let us know. We’ll see how we can reach out and offer assistance through our Healthcare Programme.
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