What We Do
Archway provides a pathway of support to develop positive well-being, reduce isolation and encourage increased social contact both within Archway’s own services and in the wider community. Most social contact roles within Archway are performed by volunteers who are trained to support people in Oxfordshire.
We recognise that people who are referred to us may be feeling anxious, stressed, lonely and isolated for many different reasons. By working together, we support people to make steps towards achieving positive changes to their overall wellbeing.
People are referred to us by professionals (e.g. Social Services, a GP, another registered charity or care provider) or can refer themselves. For more information on the referral/self-referral process click here.
Individual Support: By Telephone
Our Telephone Support Service links up a Friend with a Volunteer, who will call them once every two weeks for social contact conversations and support.
The calls will vary in length but are generally anywhere between 15 minutes and an hour – whatever works best for the Friend on any given day.
Individual Support:
Face-to-Face
Our Face-to-Face Support Service links up a Friend with a Volunteer who will meet them out of their home (e.g. for a coffee or a walk) or if the Friend is unable to leave their home for physical or mental/emotional health reasons, they will visit them at home.
Supportive
Social Groups
Our supportive social groups provide a monthly opportunity to meet in Oxford or Abingdon.
These groups offer a welcoming, safe and supportive environment in which Archway Friends can meet with and gain confidence in relating to others, develop new friendships and ultimately engage with people and activities in their local community.
The provision of our services is dependent upon a needs assessment and a risk assessment undertaken by a member of Archway’s staff.
For home visits, this will entail a visit to the home of the person referred, for other services it is most likely that the assessments will be done outside the home, either in a public place where there is a quiet and private space for a conversation, or at one of our social groups.