New service targets lonely in Inverness
VOLUNTEERS are being sought for a new service to tackle loneliness in Inverness after a survey found a high number of people in the city need extra help.
The Community Connector service, which will provide personal support to people feeling particularly lonely or socially isolated, is being launched by the British Red Cross with the help of funding from the Co-op.
The aim is for the volunteers to work directly with individuals helping them to reconnect with services and activities in their local community.
Although the scheme will ultimately be introduced in almost 40 areas across the UK, Inverness – along with Aberdeen, Dundee and the Shetlands – is among the first places being targeted.
The launch comes as Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant this week led a debate in the Scottish Parliament about loneliness, discussing its physical and psychological impacts.
The issue has also been highlighted over recent months by The Inverness Courier which launched a campaign, Reach Out, in conjunction with NHS Highland to raise awareness and challenge everyone to carry out a task of their choosing from chatting to an elderly neighbour to signing up to be a volunteer with an existing organisation.
The British Red Cross’ new connector service follows a study published in December revealing epidemic levels of loneliness and social isolation across the UK with nearly one million people in Scotland feeling always or often lonely.
The charity’s Scottish Director of Independent Living in Scotland Marie Hayes said the research also showed almost 70 per cent of people in Scotland believed everyone had a duty to help people in their local communities who might be experiencing loneliness.
"We’re calling on people across Scotland to lead the way and turn these words into action by giving just a few hours a week to help local people suffering from loneliness or social isolation," she said.
"We know how damaging these can be so even just a little amount of time could make a real difference."
The introduction of the new service in Inverness will be overseen by Ashley Young, the charity’s operations manager for Independent Living in the north of Scotland.
She said six volunteers were needed in the first year increasing to 10 by year two.
They will need to give a commitment to deliver support for about two hours a week and work directly with people affected by loneliness and social isolation, offering positive encouragement, practical help and emotional support depending on a person’s needs.
They would identify and attend activities and services with them and help to build up their confidence.
"The model is based on 12 weeks of intensive person-centred support," said Miss Young who is based at the charity’s office in the Cradlehall Business Park.
"They would work closely with individuals to identify their needs, their aspirations and what we can offer to assist them.
"The volunteer would go out and source what it is they are looking for and bring the parties together so hopefully at the end of the 12 weeks the person has a much more resilient network of support."
The partnership between the British Red Cross and the Co-op to tackle loneliness and isolation across the UK was launched two years ago.
So far, it has raised £4 million which is already being used to provide vital care and support for thousands of people.
Anyone wanting to be a volunteer, or wanting more information can call (01463) 796620, or visit the office at Cradlehall Business Park.
