AIWG CONNECTIONS SCHEME
What is Connections all about?
Many of us have changed our lives to be here in Spain, but it is not always easy making new friends, or joining groups. As we get older we all get used to doing stuff for ourselves, and hate to rely on others, but this can sometimes mean increasing isolation. When things go wrong of course we talk to friends, but what if they are away or ill themselves, or just too busy ? Or maybe we would really like to go out but would like company, or a lift, or someone to make sure you get home safely. It would be nice to celebrate a special birthday, but how does anybody get to find out when yours is?
So that is why some of us decided to set up a group to see if we could make all this a bit easier.
What do we do?
To start with we can provide :
• Confidential friendly and regular phone contact with a particular person
• Introduction to events
• Supporting those who are supporting others
• Emergency support - e.g. dog walking, small shopping, (if you are ill)
• Hospital visiting, appointment visits.
• A link to friends and family in emergency
• Interpreting
• Information
BUT mainly one-to-one support. It is a scheme where we may all be users or volunteers at some time, AND we can opt in or out at any time
HOWEVER
⁃ We are not counsellors, therapists, nurses, home helps, or social workers ⁃ We will not give advice except on a very informal basis
⁃ We won ́t do jobs where payment is usually made
⁃ We won ́t normally handle money
Contacting Connections
As a first point of contact with members in different areas of the region. Use the contact form below so that we can put you in touch with someone nearby.
USEFUL LINKS
Acompalia Helpline (support for cancer sufferers and their family and friends)
Tuesday and Thursday 10 am - 2 pm. 634 302 225.
British Embassy: http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/
Pensions and benefits (contains links to the British Consular Network‘s Partners’ newsletters): http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-spain/pensions-benefits/