Due to the success of their local befriending services in Wigtownshire, A Listening Ear has gradually expanded their service across Dumfries and Galloway.
A stakeholder event was recently held in Dumfries to raise awareness of the charity and to ensure those most in need can benefit from the befriending services on offer.
The Wigtownshire based charity, established in 2020 in response to the Covid pandemic, has gradually seen an increase in demand for their befriending services, which has resulted in a growing team, additional services and, now, regionwide provision.
What started out as a telephone befriending service, with a small number of volunteers calling friends and neighbours during the pandemic, now has a team of six, plus five trustees and 44 volunteers offering telephone befriending, in-person befriending in care homes, cafes and other public places and, more recently, an end-of-life companionship service across Dumfries and Galloway.
Penny Halliday, founder and chair of A Listening Ear said:
“We are delighted to be able to build on our success in the west of the region and to offer a regionwide befriending service for adults, but like all charities and organisations, we rely on having a reliable network of ambassadors and volunteers; those who let people know about our services, those who refer people to us and, of course, the volunteers on the ground who, once trained, offer friendship across Dumfries and Galloway.
I am very proud of what we have achieved so far, and grateful to Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway and the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our service and enabling us to extend our reach across the region.
We now need to make sure those who might benefit from our service know about us, feel able to get in touch with us directly or via one of our partner organisations.
We know there is demand, we know we make a difference, and we know that there are people out there who would make wonderful volunteers, and benefit from the experience too. We desperately need more volunteers to help make sure no one feels lonely or isolated in Dumfries and Galloway.”
At the stakeholder event held at The Bridge in Dumfries on the 12th March, Susan Ribbens, Project Manager from A Listening Ear formally welcomed and thanked Mrs Brewis, Lord Lieutenant of Wigtown, for agreeing to become the Patron of A Listening Ear and paid tribute to all the staff and volunteers who support the work of the charity. As part of her presentation Susan also appealed for new volunteers. She said:
“Volunteering can range from making a call to someone once a week to facilitating regular group sessions in a local café. We encourage people who are able to come out for a coffee and a chat to come to our Friendly Cup sessions, as they are increasingly popular. We also have volunteers who provide one-to-one or group befriending in care homes, this is invaluable for residents and their families, as well as the staff. For others, it is about getting out of the house and going for a walk, a coffee or taking part in a shared activity, or for those unable to leave home, a simple telephone or video call can make a huge difference.
We also offer an end-of-life companionship service called No One Dies Alone (NODA), and our specially trained volunteers are there for people who need a companion at the end of their life.
All our volunteers are trained and supported, so if you think you can offer an hour a week or more to volunteer, or you know someone who can, please get in touch and we will put you in contact with our Volunteer Co-ordinator in your part of the region to find out more. It’s such a rewarding role, and we need you more than ever, so please consider getting involved if you can.”
Around 40 people attended the stakeholder event in Dumfries to find out more about the service and how they as individuals, or their organisations, can support the work of A Listening Ear. A Friendly Cup session hosted as part of the event resulted in some great ideas and an enthusiasm to support the service going forward.
GET IN TOUCH
Get in touch with A Listening Ear if you are looking for friendship, know others who could benefit from their services or to find out more about volunteering or supporting befriending services for adults in Dumfries and Galloway. Alternatively, look out for more info about their Volunteer Recruitment Days due to take place. Next up:
- A LISTENING EAR: VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT SESSION: A Drop-in Information Session will take place between 10.30am – 1pm on Wednesday 14th May at The Bridge in Dumfries. Come along to find out more or to sign-up as a volunteer.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FRIENDSHIP
A Listening Ear is also looking for individuals, venues and organisations from across the region to get involved in the UN International Day of Friendship on the 30th July. Anyone who can host or support a Friendly Cup session or group activity in a café, town hall, workplace or any other public place that day (or week) is encouraged to get in touch. Look out for more info coming soon.
T: 07466 867 570, E: [email protected] W: www.a-listening-ear.org
