Age Concern and Listening

Through my so far rather brief involvement as a trustee I have already come realise what a terrific job Age Concern Dorchester does for so many people in and well beyond the town. So I am pleased to be able to mention a new development.

I asked for volunteers (hopefully you will have seen my request on the News page) so we could set up a confidential listening service. I’d hoped for maybe five but was delighted at twelve. This means two people can be on duty together every week. To do what? Essentially, to listen: not so much to concerns about practical matters such as benefits, insurance etc, but rather to concerns someone may have about life’s ups and downs (downs mainly), concerns which are sometimes best shared in confidence with somebody who understands and will listen without imposing her or his views on the situation.

The service will be provided every Tuesday afternoon, at Rowan Cottage on Prince of Wales Road, from 1.30 to 3.30pm, beginning on Tuesday 25 April. This is for those aged 55 and over or for those under 55 who want to talk through any concerns and anxieties they may have arising from their caring for an older relative. It will help considerably if anyone wanting to talk can contact Age Concern in advance on tel. 01305 269444 to make an appointment, though this is not essential.

I am particularly pleased that our volunteers represent six different Christian churches or fellowships in this area, and three different denominations. The collaborative spirit reflects very well the ethos at Age Concern. I should emphasise that though all the volunteers are practising Christians this service is not in any way religious and that the volunteers will be there to listen entirely “neutrally” and in confidence to anyone who wants to talk about anything.

If anybody would like some further general detail about this scheme they can of course contact me on tel. 01305 262394 or
Richard Betts

You can visit the Age Concern Dorchester website, by clicking here