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

  • have significant communication barriers that prevent meaningful interaction

  • Are currently unable to engage with support due to unmanaged mental health needs

  • 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 ie if a volunteer is already visiting the home

  • are not living alone are not living alone – although we may consider those who are socially isolated despite living with others such as carers or estranged family members

  • 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 final decision rests with The Link Visiting Scheme, and we aim to make all decisions with fairness and compassion.

Marjie Walker

CEO, The Link Visiting Scheme

Updated: January 2026