Farleigh Helpers

Friendship and support for everyone in mid Essex

Need a friend or a listening ear?

Farleigh Helpers is here for you. Our volunteer-led service offers friendly conversation and support for anyone in mid Essex that needs it.

What is the Farleigh Helpers service?

Farleigh Helpers is a telephone support and befriending service available to everyone in the community. The service has been established thanks to funding awarded by Provide Foundation, which is managed by Essex Community Foundation. If you are ill, lonely, isolated, bereaved or just in need of someone to talk to, we are here for you. You don’t need to have a connection to Farleigh Hospice to use the service.

We are here to offer regular friendly calls. We’ll listen, converse and if required signpost you to information that may be of use. The service operates between 9.00-5.00 Monday-Friday and you can schedule a regular weekly chat of up to 30 minutes or just get in touch as the need arises.

"(My befriender) is an absolute gem, she makes me feel so much better, I have it on my calendar when I'm having a call with her I look forward to it that much.” - A Farleigh Helpers service user.

“It's so good to talk to someone who I can be honest and open with.” - A Farleigh Helpers service user.

Who can use it?

Everyone! Open to people of all ages and circumstances, Farleigh Helpers is available to anyone in the community who needs friendship and support.

How do I contact Farleigh Helpers?

Alternatively you can call us or email us to make a referral or for more information. Call 01245 933800 or email farleigh.helpers@farleighhospice.org

Please note:

If you require advice on symptoms or nursing care, please contact the Farleigh Hospice Advice Line on 01245 455478 or visit www.farleighhospice.org/advice-support/advice-line.

This is NOT an emergency service. If urgent medical attention is required, please contact your GP in the first instance. If it is outside your GP’s normal working hours, you will need to contact NHS 111.

Want to be a Farleigh Helper?

We are looking for kind, caring volunteers who are good listeners, IT savvy and want to make a positive difference to people’s lives in the local community. The Farleigh Helpers befriending roles are home-based, so if you would like to help us from the comfort of your living room or home office, then this is for you!

For more information about becoming a Farleigh Helper please contact the Volunteer Services team on 01245933735 or email volunteer@farleighhospice.org.

Click here to find out why one of our volunteer Helpers enjoys their befriending role and finds it so fulfilling.