Across the finish line
The mission of BCM's ElderLink is to bring hope and comfort to older people. Its team of staff and volunteers visit both private residences and care homes to share friendship, a listening ear, activities and the hope of Jesus.
ElderLink Manager, Catherine Tresham, talked about one of her Visiting Scheme members, who are visited in their own homes:
'A lady was referred to us this year who had some Christian background but was struggling with assurance. She expressed how she could not accept that God would love her and forgive her, given the life she had led and some of the things she had said in the past. During our visits she wanted to discuss these things so we took time to remind her what the Bible has to say about forgiveness and Jesus’ grasp on us.
During our final visit to her before her death we were greatly encouraged as she said that she had peace with God and that she was looking forward to meeting the Lord Jesus. We were so thankful for this opportunity to help someone across the finish line.
ElderLink's Visiting Scheme is offered to those of all faiths and none, and the majority of our members are not Christians. Another lady on the scheme, who we have known for several years, would normally not engage in spiritual conversation. But recently when we offered to pray with her for her current circumstances, much to our surprise she started to pray aloud herself for her own friends.'
ElderLink's Visiting Scheme is designed for people aged over 65 who live in the B25, B26, B27 and B28 postcodes and whom experience loneliness and social isolation. They may be housebound, recently bereaved or lacking confidence after an illness or spell in hospital. We accept referrals for those who live independently or in assisted living accommodation.
Scheme members are visited by our trained staff and volunteers in pairs. They will chat, give encouragement, listen and bring activities such as crafts, pictures or quizzes. They will offer to read the Bible and pray with the scheme member.
Scheme members have said:
'I have someone to talk to. I feel that you are friends and you are with me.'
'It is a lovely way of keeping in touch with the outside world.'
'It means a lot to my mother and our family. She can talk to the visitors in ways that she doesn't talk to us. It's very relaxed.'
'Nice to have company for an hour. Someone keeping an eye on you and thinking about you. You do appreciate it.'
Please get in touch if you would like more information:
0121 707 9422
elderlink@birminghamcitymission.co.uk
Access the online Visiting Scheme referral form here
