Hanover is one of Scotland’s largest registered social landlords specialising in services for older people. We manage more than 5,000 properties and provide a range of other services including telecare community alarm monitoring and housing with care. We work closely with our customers to help people live independent, secure and fulfilling lives. The Volunteer Befriender helps residents who feel isolated or unable to get out very easily on their own by giving time on a one to one basis to help a person maintain social contact, provide companionship and reduce loneliness and social isolation. Volunteer befrienders build a positive relationship with an individual and visit them on a regular basis in their own flat. This could mean spending some time with a person for an hour or two every week/fortnight, we also encourage getting out and about for a coffee or short walk. Generally, befrienders are there to chat and get to know someone, have fun. Support the person to continue with existing interests, whilst encouraging them to embark on new activities. Volunteer duties:  Organising visits / trips out on a regular basis.  Support residents with their interests  Encourage residents to embark on new activities  Be a friend and have fun Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can do We know that volunteering has many benefits for individuals who volunteer, the organisations to which they contribute and society as a whole. Loneliness has a profound impact on quality of life with serious implications for physical and mental health. We believe that every older person should have opportunities to make and maintain friends and connections so they can keep healthy and well balanced and enjoy life as much as possible – we believe that no-one should have no-one. Hanover (Scotland) wishes to assist our residents tackle social isolation as we believe that good physical and mental health, quality of life and the ability to live independently are closely linked. The many positives outcomes of volunteering mean that volunteering truly is social inclusion in action. Volunteers will: - Gain confidence: Volunteering can help you gain confidence by giving you the chance to try something new and build a real sense of achievement. - Make a difference: Volunteering can have a real and valuable effect on people, communities and society in general. - Meet people: Volunteering can help you meet different kinds of people and make new friends. - Be part of a community: Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family. - Have fun: Most volunteers have a great time, regardless of why they do it.

Black Isle Cares Befriending Service is looking for new volunteers to provide social support to vulnerable members of local communities in the Black Isle. The duties and responsibilities of a BIC befriender can be many and varied as the relationship is unique and tailored to the needs of the individual person. Client related activities may include: •Telephone befriending support and/or welfare checks •Supporting patients and their carers in their own home or care establishment providing friendship and social support •Providing a "listening ear" and companionship (reading, chatting, letter writing) •Providing respite for carers for short periods (up to maximum of three hours) as agreed •Offering opportunities to participate in social/recreational and daily living activities (may go out on trips) Volunteers do not provide or involve themselves in personal care, counselling, medical care, domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning, or financial and legal matters. Anyone interested in volunteering should email an application form to befriending@blackislecares.com or call 07720 168266 for further information.

Our volunteers offer informal companionship to people aged 65 and over in Berwickshire and Kelso. Use your life experience and the skills you’ve picked up along the way to help older people in our community. You will get so much in return – new friendships, laughter and fun, greater self -confidence, renewed purpose, and energy. Volunteering can be a great addition to your CV. There are lots of different ways you can get involved with BeFriend, you could: • Visit a befriendee • Become a telephone befriender • Help with our group activities • Provide transport to our group activities Here’s what our volunteers say: “Listening is a wonderful thing to be able to do for someone who needs to talk, it can change a person’s life.” “It doesn’t feel like volunteering now! I just visit a friend every week to catch up.” Benefits to volunteers: The chance to give something back to your community. The chance to get to know your community. Better confidence. Become part of our friendly team and help reduce loneliness and isolation.

Our volunteers offer informal companionship to people aged 65 and over in Berwickshire and Kelso. Use your life experience and the skills you’ve picked up along the way to help older people in our community. You will get so much in return – new friendships, laughter and fun, greater self -confidence, renewed purpose, and energy. Volunteering can be a great addition to your CV. There are lots of different ways you can get involved with BeFriend, you could: • Visit a befriendee • Become a telephone befriender • Help with our group activities • Provide transport to our group activities Here’s what our volunteers say: “Listening is a wonderful thing to be able to do for someone who needs to talk, it can change a person’s life.” “It doesn’t feel like volunteering now! I just visit a friend every week to catch up.” Benefits to volunteers: The chance to give something back to your community. The chance to get to know your community. Better confidence. Become part of our friendly team and help reduce loneliness and isolation.