Soirbheas, the community charity for Glen Urquhart and Strathglass, are pleased to announce the expansion of the befriending service in its area. Following the end of a 2 year pilot, feedback from participants confirmed the need and support for the service to continuing.
Going forward Soirbheas will co-ordinate and fund the service directly, offering support to any individuals over the age of 18 living in Glen Urquhart or Strathglass who are feeling isolated or lonely.
The Glens Befriending service is free and matches individuals with a trained volunteer, providing a friendly face to face visit or a phone call to help you gain some normality in your life.
Soirbheas will continue to work in partnership with the Highland Hospice to ensure a high-quality service is provided, and the team are looking forward to working with the Glen Urquhart Care Project, Glenurquhart Childcare Centre and care professionals to support anyone who would benefit from this service.
Carol Masheter Community Development Manager for Soirbheas said “Delivering befriending services in rural areas is challenging but over the last two years we have seen how important and beneficial it is to people living in our communities. Soirbheas are pleased to provide funding and staffing to continue to support this valuable service. We look forward to seeing the service expand, both in the number of people and age groups who can benefit.”
“We are keen to accept new referrals and recruit more volunteers. The process is straightforward, and an individual can refer themselves, or be referred through a family member or care professional.”
“Our volunteers must be over 18. No previous experience is required to volunteer, just a friendly and caring disposition! If you have an hour or so a week to spare and are interested in learning more about befriending, please get in touch. Training and support for volunteers is available, and expenses for travel costs are also offered.”
Highland Hospice’s Helping Hands Co-ordinator Susan Smith added, “We are so delighted that support in this area will be continuing through Siorbheas after such a successful two years, and look forward to continuing our partnership.”
To learn more about the project please email the Glens Befriending Service Co-ordinator, Nicky MacLennan or call her on 07748 575 330.
