Thank you for signing up to volunteer as a Re-engage call companion in partnership with Parkinson's UK. Re-engage help isolated or lonely people aged 75 and over to build social connections and is committed to reaching a diverse population of older people.
The complex nature of Parkinson’s and how it affects older people’s day to day activities may vary. Parkinson’s affects people both physically and psychologically, which may result in older people gradually limiting their social activities and becoming isolated and lonely. The people who care for older people with Parkinson’s may also feel lonely or isolated.
We are pleased to offer the Re-engage call companion service in partnership with Parkinson's UK, our free telephone befriending service for both those with Parkinson’s and their carers who are aged 60 or over. The service is delivered in collaboration with Parkinson’s UK with the aim of bringing social connection back into people’s lives.
This training is designed to help you understand the challenges that older people with Parkinson’s and their carers may experience. With this knowledge you will be able to tailor the conversations you have.
Good to know
Your conversations might not necessarily be about Parkinson's, unless the older person wants to talk about the condition. You could have a conversation about anything that interests both you and the older person. This might be a hobby that you have in common, an activity that you both enjoy taking part in, a film you have both watched or perhaps a book you have both read.
Following this introductory module for the Re-engage call companion service in partnership with Parkinson's UK, you will also be asked to complete the general call companions training. This will take you through more general guidance around having companionship calls with older people.
You will be directed to the call companions training after completing training 5.