30.07.2021
Do you know that there are approx 60,000 residents, over 65 in Brent? And 10% live alone, 53% are from BME groups, many are living in poverty. The "Indices of Deprivation Brent 2019" shows that the borough is the 12th most deprived area in the UK in terms of deprivation of older people. Our befriending services are needed more than ever. But it is not all about older people. Of the 450 residents we currently support 300 are aged 55 and over. The main problem is isolation and loneliness which in turn is exacerbated by issues such as debt, housing, attempting to access their GP, health issues such as falls, maintaining independent living, and others. Our small team of befrienders work with this group to help them become more connected with family, local community and or ‘groups of interest’ e.g. mental health and dementia support groups.