Loneliness is a major issue that is now widely recognised in society today. 200,000 people in Scotland will go half a week without a visit or call from anyone. This problem has been heightened by coronavirus restrictions, in which our usual ways of seeing family, friends, or just familiar faces have been put on pause. Our Telephone Befrienders can help combat this problem by offering encouragement and support, and reducing the amount of time spent that some elderly individuals spend without talking to anyone. Often Befriending Telephone calls can lead to a friendship between the volunteer and older individual, which can provide enormous benefits for both individuals. Our clients are always incredibly grateful for a chat, and for someone to check in with them. This service is available to anyone across Perth and Kinross. Due to the nature of this work, Elder Voice comply with CRBS Disclosure Scotland procedures, and all volunteers undergo PVG disclosures.

LinkLiving’s award-winning Fife Older Persons’ service recruits supports and train people as volunteer befrienders. By enabling over-65’s to be connected, rather than cut-off, the volunteer befrienders can improve quality of life for those who feel isolated, lonely and anxious during these difficult times. Due to current COVID restrictions this befriending role will be carried out over the telephone to start with in line with government guidance. Once restrictions start to lift it may be possible to carry out face-to-face befriending. Main tasks · To call their befriendee at least once per week for a mutually agreed length of time · Maintain confidentiality regarding client information. · Participate in mandatory induction training and any other relevant training · Attend planned regular reviews with LinkLiving staff. Personal qualities · Excellent communication skills · Friendly and approachable · Dependable and trustworthy · Sensitivity and ability to treat others with respect

Digital Champions help people who get devices through Connecting Scotland to do things online such as: · Connecting a device to the internet using Wi-Fi and entering the password when they need to. · Sharing documents by attaching them to an email. · Understanding that not all online information and content that they see is reliable. The aim is that with support from Digital Champions, learners will be able to use the internet safely, confidently and effectively. Digital Champions usually work in frontline positions in third and public sector organisations e.g. support workers, advice officers and befrienders but all staff who come into regular contact with service users can be a Digital Champion. The kind of things our Digital Champions will help our learners with are: · Setting up their device. · Setting up and email address · Show them how to use video calling. · Show them how to shop online. A support session with learners usually takes place in person once or twice a week but can also be done remotely if required. 30 – 45 minutes is usually enough time to make some progress without overwhelming the learner. All this will depend on who you’re working with and what they need. It also depends on how your organisation usually delivers support. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity please contact VAA on 01307 466113 alternatively you can email – info@voluntaryactionangus.org.uk

Wellbeing Scotland is a voluntary organisation with services across Scotland. We provide a wide range of holistic services for individuals and families whose life experiences have impacted negatively on their wellbeing. Since 1994 we have offered client centred, holistic, trauma informed therapeutic services and have specialised in abuse and trauma work. We work with both children and adults. Due to the Covid 19 crisis our services have never been more needed, and we are currently in urgent need of Volunteer befrienders in all areas. Do you or anyone you know have a few hours a week to spare to be listening ear to someone who is currently needing a friendly chat. At this time, our befrienders will work remotely by telephone or video calling. No experience necessary(although being a good listener would be an advantage) as training will be provided to help you with this role, and you will be appointed a supervisor for ongoing support.