With winter just around the corner, the annual November Befriending Awareness Week helps shine a light on the positive impact of befriending services across the UK.
Across West Dunbartonshire, many people live alone and often feel isolated. The reasons why will vary – medical conditions, loss of confidence after illness, mobility challenges, just having no close family or friends nearby or bereavement. All needs supported by The WDCVS Be-side Befriending service, a volunteer-led initiative supporting West Dunbartonshire residents aged 60 years and above.
Befriending coordinator Jim Meehan said “Befriending services are always in high demand through the year. But as we move towards winter we often see a rise in enquiries. Its a funny time of year for many. Shorter days, difficult weather conditions and dealing with loneliness or loss at a time when everyone else seems to be getting into the party spirit, can be really hard”.
Jim continued, “Befriending is a great way of addressing this and empowering the person to live positively. We work hard to match people up who have things in common and then they can get a conversation going. It can mean that matches can take a little longer than we would like to set up, but the benefit it brings makes that all worthwhile.”
New volunteer befrienders are always welcome to the service and full training and support is provided. For anyone interested in getting involved, WDCVS is holding two Befriending Week drop-in coffee mornings on Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th November, 11am-1pm each day, at the Salvation Army Community Cafe in Sylvania Way South, Clydebank.
Unable to attend the session but still keen to find out more, call WDCVS on 0141 941 0886 or by emailing info@wdcvs.com.
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