3 Glens Helping Hands Befriending Service

3 Glens Community Care are delighted to be offering a Befriending Service to the residents of Glengarry, Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston.

If you need some extra support and friendship, then we would love to help you!

Befriending:

A free befriending service for the 3 Glens area – Glengarry, Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston - that matches individuals who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation with volunteer befrienders. The aim of the service is to provide regular social contact and support to individuals who may be in need of companionship. The befriender and the individual are then matched based on shared interests, hobbies, and personalities. Befrienders may visit individuals in their homes, take them out for activities, or simply engage in regular phone calls to provide emotional support and a listening ear. The service can provide a lifeline for those who may be feeling isolated or disconnected from their community.

Loneliness continues to be a significant issue in the UK, with research indicating that it affects people of all ages and backgrounds. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, with many individuals experiencing social isolation and reduced contact with others due to lockdowns and social distancing measures. According to a survey by the Office for National Statistics in March 2021, 7% of adults in Great Britain reported feeling lonely "often" or "always", while 18% reported feeling lonely "some of the time". Certain groups, such as young people and those living alone, were found to be more likely to report feeling lonely.

According to a 2021 survey by Age UK, almost a million (928,000) older people in the UK reported feeling lonely on most or all days of the week.

The Service

Our volunteer befrienders offer social support to individuals feeling lonely or isolated.

Visits are arranged between you and your befriender usually weekly/fortnightly.

Are you struggling with deteriorating health and family live a distance away? Our volunteers could visit for a chat. COVID 19 has impacted us all in many ways but perhaps it has left you with feeling of anxiety or loneliness, and this service could help you in these areas.

Our volunteers are everyday people wishing to provide support. They are PVG scheme approved and trained in the role. Your confidentiality will be respected.

We would love to hear from you if you would like to explore further how this service can help you or someone you know.

Get in touch with our Development Officer by emailing contact@3glenscare.org or telephone 07 507 627 990

Quote

From a largely house-bound person.
'I am getting my first visit from a Befriender tomorrow. I'm so excited! I am unable to get out much. I have friends, but they can't visit me every day. Also, it will let my husband have a chance to get out for an hour or so on his own.'