BEDA UK
BEDA is a National Association of welfare based organisations founded in 2002 with branches throughout the United Kingdom. Formed to initially act as a stop gap for other voluntary and governmental organisations involved in the welfare, care and support of the elderly and disabled.
This Association became a huge success and went National in 2004 after running a number of multi-agency conferences for the voluntary, care organisations and medical professionals. Aimed primarily at helping the disabled and senior citizens in supporting and maintaining their independence at home. The organisation befriends and supports its clients, with advice and advocacy on a number of major and minor issues. The volunteers give general advice and offer assistance with home security, minor maintenance repairs and gardening and also assists as being a point of contact for the more the vulnerable clients. By providing transport in rural areas and home visitors, with excursions and visits to places of interest, most branches operate small befriending social clubs for the clients to attend on a regular basis.