How Blackfriars Settlement befriending service helped Clifton
Clifton, aged 89, lives with his carer since his wife passed away in January last year. He displays the early stages of dementia and uses a wheelchair as his limited mobility means he can only walk short distances.
Clifton, aged 89, lives with his carer since his wife passed away in January last year. He displays the early stages of dementia and uses a wheelchair as his limited mobility means he can only walk short distances.
Clifton was referred by a primary care link worker to the social prescribing service who suggested he could join the befriending service at Blackfriars Settlement, a community organisation in Southwark. After speaking with Clifton, his family and his carer the team decided that their social clubs would be most suitable. The strong links between Clifton, his carer, Blackfriars Settlement and his GP made a huge difference to Clifton’s sense of security and his ability to manage his feelings of loss.
Clifton has been attending the ‘Forget-me-not’ club on Tuesdays and the men’s group ‘Frank’s Club’ on Mondays every week with the support of his carer since June 2021. He also has joined day trips and special events as well as regularly enjoying a home cooked Sunday lunch at the Settlement. Clifton integrated well with the members of the group; his mood has lifted, and he has become more outgoing. Feeling less isolated, he enjoys playing dominos, talking to his new friends about his life and former job running a local fruit and veg stall.
Coming to the clubs not only benefits Clifton but gives his carer support who also enjoys taking part in the activities on offer. Because of the service, Clifton has made many new friends, hardly misses a week of activities and will celebrate his 90th birthday at Frank’s Club in July.
Find out more about Blackfriars Settlement.