Highland Hospice launches appeal to find volunteer befrienders and clients
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A new befriending service has been set up serving Drumnadrochit, Glenurquhart, Strathglass, Beauly and surrounding areas.
The service, which is free of charge, is open to people of all ages and aims to address isolation and loneliness.
It operates through volunteers who are trained by Highland Hospice’s befriending team and are then matched with individuals who would like regular support through home visits or meetings.
Following a study which highlighted the support needs for the elderly and young in the area, the service was set up as a two year partnership between Highland Hospice, Soirbheas, Beauly Cares and the Glenurquhart Care Project.
Natasha MacNicol, the befriender co-ordinator at the Glenurquhart Care Centre, said: “There is a real need to help the lonely and isolated in the area, made all the more prevalent by being a rural community.
“Our volunteers have the potential to make a sincere difference to the lives of those we help. An hour or two a week isn’t much, but from small acorns big oaks grow.
“No previous experience required just a friendly and caring disposition. Training and support is available for volunteers and expenses for travel costs are also offered.”
“As well as recruiting volunteers, we are really keen to hear from people across the project area who may wish to be referred to the service or might have a family member that would benefit.”
Contact befriender@glenurquhartcareproject.org or 01456 459 077.
in the Beauly and the Glens areas.
