Referring to The Link

The Link Visiting Scheme operates an open-door policy which means that all new service user referrals will receive an initial phone assessment. All full assessments will be completed face to face by a member of our assessment team. We recognise that people’s lives can change, so we welcome service users to be referred again, if they have had a change in their personal circumstances. During the assessment process, we assess each service user for: level of need, which service would be most appropriate, the service users’ expectations, eligibility according to our criteria (see below) and risk to a volunteer in the service users home (health and safety and lone working). If appropriate, we may only offer activities or one-off events depending on the outcome of the risk assessment.

The Link Visiting Scheme reserves the right to terminate a referral/assessment, or exclude a service user from the scheme, should circumstances demand it. We endeavour to signpost all service users we are unable to help to more appropriate local services.

1. Admissions

As a guideline we accept people who:

  • feel lonely and isolated

  • appear safe for a volunteer to visit

  • live independently or in sheltered accommodation

  • live within the Wokingham Borough

  • are over 60 years old. * Priority is given to over 60’s, however we will consider younger adults if there is clear evidence

  • of isolation for reasons, such as disability.

2. Exclusions

We are unable to accept people who:

  • are unable to form and maintain friendships due to, perhaps, the middle to late stages of dementia or other complex needs, unless we have especially skilled volunteers available

  • are unable to communicate with others.

  • have no insight into their own mental health issue(s)

  • cannot maintain the boundaries of appropriate conversation with a volunteer

  • live in residential care homes or nursing homes - although they may be considered in certain circumstances

  • are not living alone - although they may be considered in certain circumstances

  • have medical conditions that would make it difficult for an unskilled volunteer to visit them (i.e. needing skilled and trained staff)

  • have a strong social network already in place

  • have been given a Personal Care Budget that makes provision for social inclusion

The decision to admit or exclude anyone to the Link Visiting Scheme is at the Link’s discretion and their decision is final.

Marjie Walker

CEO, The Link Visiting Scheme

Updated: October 2024