Volunteers sought for befriending service

Date Added - 13/01/09

More volunteers are being sought for a successful befriending service run by the British Red Cross in conjunction with Moray Council.

The service offers help and support to over 60s living on their own and aims to reduce the social isolation felt by those with little or no contact with family, friends or neighbours and who may be frail and have sensory or mobility problems.

Referrals to the service come through community care teams, social workers, GPs and community nurses.

Red Cross service co-ordinator Jennifer Allan said the service was dependent on the commitment and support of its volunteers.

“The service is constantly on the lookout for new volunteers and we have been adding to our team at a steady rate,” she said.

“This is a fantastically rewarding volunteering opportunity where you get to see first hand the real difference your time makes.

“All volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of one to two hours once a fortnight.

“Training is offered on a large variety of topics, including first aid, therapeutic massage and good communications skills.

“Once a person has been accepted onto the service, we assess their individual needs and match them with a suitable volunteer visitor and arrange an introductory meeting to allow them to get to know one another.”

Mutual arrangements are then made for frequency and time of visits. Volunteers can help with shopping trips, outings for coffee or lunch, visits to libraries and other local facilities, as well as help getting to GP and hospital appointments.

“Some people might need help buying their groceries and others may be happy simply with someone calling in on them for a chat – we let each person decide what’s important to them and what they need from the service,” said Mrs Allan.

A Christmas party, attended by more than 55 people, proved an ideal opportunity for everyone to get to know each other and other social gatherings are planned for the future as a means of increasing social contact outwith Red Cross volunteer visits.

Moray Council acting senior community care officer Gordon MacKenzie said the council was delighted to be working with the Red Cross and that the befrienders were a welcome addition to the services already available to counter social isolation among the most vulnerable members of the community.

He said: “Moray Council recognises the need for this service in our communities to build stronger links between people and local resources to prevent individuals experiencing isolation and loneliness and feel part of the community they live in.”