Everyone can feel lonely and isolated at times, especially if experiencing hardship. In response to the effects of loneliness and isolation on peoples wellbeing (physical, emotional, social and mental health), that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated, TLC have responded to this need and further developed our befriending service to combat the loneliness and isolation felt by many in our city. Our service is provided to anyone aged 18 years and over in Aberdeen who is experiencing or at risk of loneliness or isolation. Your help as a volunteer would therefore make a real difference. Our expertly trained and compassionate volunteers not only provide a lifeline to people, in the form of friendship, but also a helping hand to reconnect to the community, bringing joy and passion back into people’s lives. If you would like to be a beacon of hope to someone in need, please do apply to join our fantastic team of volunteers. For further information please email us at volunteer@tlc.org.uk

We can all feel lonely and isolated at times and those feelings can be more intense and devastating if you are also facing financial hardship. Aberdeen North and South Foodbanks have come together, with funding from the Trussell Trust, to provide a financial resilience service where individuals who require a food parcel can receive money, debt, and energy advice. Aberdeen Citizen Advice Bureau will provide this advice. This service which will support those struggling with financial hardship will be supported by our Befriending Project. Volunteer befrienders will encourage those referred, to engage with the wider project. Our aim is to ensure that our trained and compassionate volunteers provide a lifeline to people, in the form of friendship and offer a helping hand to enable them to engage with the financial support on offer. If you would like to be a part of this holistic service, please apply to become a Volunteer Befriender. Activities include: • To befriend individuals who have used the food bank and who require financial/energy advice from Citizens Advice Bureau advisors and who would benefit from someone to accompany them to their appointment. • To participate in the TLC Volunteer befriender induction programme, and ad hoc training throughout the year as and when required. • To attend 3 monthly volunteer supervision sessions. • Commit to a regular 1hr 30min befriending session each week. • To establish and maintain appropriate boundaries within the befriending relationship. • To ensure that confidentiality is always upheld and be willing to report any concerns, including safeguarding issues to the project co-ordinator. • To work within a non-discriminatory framework. • TLC are looking for befrienders to ideally commit to the project for at least 12months. *(Note: Volunteer befrienders will not be asked or required to meet any personal care needs.) All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. For further information please email us at volunteer@tlc.org.uk

Family friends work directly with families, coming alongside and giving support to parents and children when they need it most, making sure they feel less isolated. Safe Families is a charity that works with 35+ local authorities around the UK. Safe Families offer hope, belonging and support to children, families and care leavers; they do this primarily, but not exclusively, with and through local churches. No one should feel alone. Safe Families exist to create relationship and connection because everyone deserves to belong. Volunteers will undergo training before matching with a family, to help them feel best equipped and prepared. They will receive support throughout the entire process. Family friend support can range from a couple hours every few weeks, to once a week support - meeting for coffee, being a listening ear, going out to the park etc. Contact Caitlin at caitlinfrew@safefamilies.uk or 07393462300 for more information about volunteering.

By providing company and companionship, volunteers will be enhancing the patient experience and helping to reduce any feelings of isolation and loneliness. Activities include: • Chatting and listening to patients. • Reading to patients. • Playing board games. • Reminiscence activities using discussion, books and other resources.