When Dorothy Deakin, from Hinckley, retired she wanted to do something beneficial with her time so she applied to become a befriender for the Rural Stress Support Team. She has now been befriending for the last year.

Whilst there is no typical day in the life of a befriender Dorothy can do anything from simply visiting people who feel isolated, to taking somebody to look for a new mobility scooter, to taking people shopping or out for a coffee.

“For the majority of people I am simply someone who is interested enough to listen and if necessary do something. I am able to give ‘time’ which is something ‘professionals’ cannot always give.”

“I get great satisfaction from befriending, a feeling that I’ve done something worthwhile. “

For further information e-mail:Louise Driver or ring 0116 305 7973.