As seen – recently – in the County Press, Omega is a small charity based in Shrewsbury that supports socially isolated people. Whilst based in Shropshire, they work across the UK. They have already started a partnership on the Isle of Wight with Sovereign Housing Association a story which has been shared with the Isle of Wight County Press. You can read about this on their website at – https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/18627120.friendship-letter-phone-hopes-help-isolated-islanders/.
Two of the projects they operate, both of which are free of charge, may be of interest to local residents:
Chatterbox
This is a telephone befriending scheme. their volunteer befrienders are matched with clients and are happy to talk about anything as well as offering emotional support. You can see more information at – https://www.omega.uk.net/chatterbox-action-against-loneliness-programme-p-173.htm
A Letter from Louise
This is a penpal befriending service. As with Chatterbox, their volunteer befrienders are matched with clients with similar interests so they can share stories and experiences. All post is directed via their office using a freepost system, so client’s addresses are confidential. Many of their befrienders include photos and pictures with their letters. You can see more information at – https://www.omega.uk.net/a-letter-from-louise-p-214.htm