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The FG Deans Memorial Hall In Castle Douglas Is Declared Open For Bookings!

The FG Deans Memorial Hall, by Threave Rovers Football Club ground, has undergone refurbishment and is now ready for bookings, with facilities that would suit a whole range of user groups.

 

FG Deans Memorial Hall was built thanks to money gifted by F.G. Deans, founder of the Castle Douglas troop boy scouts in 1920. The Hall has been a recognised base for the scout groups and this is where the Beavers, Brownies, Cubs, Scouts and Guides meet on a weekly basis during term-time. There is also now a Jujitsu class running twice a week.  Many people from Castle Douglas and the surrounding area would have used the Hall during their scouting journey and now their children or even grandchildren are able to enjoy it too.

 

Storm Ophelia blew the roof off the Hall in October 2017, but a huge fundraising drive saw the building repaired. Thanks to The National Heritage Lottery Fund, the Galloway Glens Scheme was able to support the work through the ‘Our Heritage’ Small Grant Scheme, with new doors improving building security and energy efficiency. The building is now safeguarded for the future generations of Scouts and Guides.

 

Nowadays, the Hall is used most evenings, but is also available for hire by local community or interest groups. Increased used of this great facility would help with the running costs, which are substantial, and ensure the Hall survives as a community hub. If you are interested in renting the Hall, please contact Allison Tyson on [email protected].

 

The Scouts desperately require more adults to get involved to support the work of the Committee and the Leaders who try their best for the group to survive. Your local Scouts need you! You don’t have to be a parent, as long as you are 17 years old or older and willing to give up a little bit of your time, you can be a part of a wonderful tradition. To find out more information, contact Allison Tyson on [email protected]

 

Allison Tyson, from the Castle Douglas Scout Group and advisor to the FG Deans Management Committee, said:

“We are very grateful for the support we have received from the Galloway Glens which has helped to maintain the hall and we look forward to continuing to support the community by providing a safe space for a variety of exciting and interesting opportunities”.

Anna Harvey, Galloway Glens Administrator, oversees ‘Our Heritage’ Small Grants Scheme and added:

“I am delighted that thanks to funding from The National Heritage Lottery Fund, we were able to help in preserving the fabric of the building and safeguarding it for the future generations of local Scouts.”

 

Dumfries Saints Ladies Spirit Is High After Double Win & A Draw! 

Dumfries Saints Ladies team travelled up to, Greenock Wanderers RFC, at the weekend in Round 2 of the Aspiring League draw. Lead by captain Annabelle, armed with a whole squad of Saints available to play the fixtures. 

 

A spokesperson for the squad said “First, we faced Greenock Wanderers Blue, a team we faced in Round 1 and secured a 30-5 win over. Today was no different as the ladies showed no fear in attack from the starting whistle and defended with determination until the very end. The final score was 40-0 to Saints, try scorers were:
* Derri 🏉
* Annabelle 🏉🏉
* Tasha 🏉🏉
* Deni 🏉🏉🏉
Next, we faced Paisley in our first ever meet.
The game was close from the get go, with Saints failing behind for a short period of time. In true Saints fighting spirit we bounced back from behind to secure a well deserved draw, with the score 15-15 on the final whistle. Try scorers were:
* Derri 🏉
* Deni 🏉🏉
Onto the final game of the day, and what a game it was! We faced Greenock Wanderers Red, confidence was high after our earlier meet with their teammates. Saints dominated possession for most of the game with our opposition struggling to get through our defence or breakdown our attack. Saints tackles were a force to be reckoned with, carrying from the forwards was strong and speed from within the whole team, especially the backs, was rapid. The final score was 50-0 to Saints with the try scorers being:
* Abby T 🏉
* Annabelle 🏉🏉🏉
* Kady 🏉🏉
* Abby R 🏉
* Tasha 🏉
* Derri 🏉
* Lindsay 🏉
Our player of the tournament was Bryony, who put in an incredible shift playing 10, assisting with most of today’s tries!
Not only did Bryony come away with her first player of the tournament, but also her first appearance as a Saints! Congratulations to Amanda and Kara, who also dawned a Saints strip in their first appearances too!
Next week we travel to Glasgow University in Round 3, where we hope to keep the winning streak rolling! “

 

Saints!! ⚫️⚪️🔴

Resurfacing On The A75 Between Dumfries & Crocketford Commences Monday 9th October 2023

RESURFACING ON THE A75 BETWEEN DUMFRIES AND CROCKETFORD COMMENCES MONDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2023

Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, are undertaking essential resurfacing on the A75 at Henderland from Monday 9th October until Thursday 12th October 2023, between the hours of 8pm and 6am, each night.

This scheme will benefit around 9,200 vehicles using this route each day, by improving the condition of the carriageway and reducing the need for more extensive maintenance in the future.

The work will be carried out using three overnight road closures and signed diversions will be in place. We thank road users for their patience and co-operation while this essential work takes place. Work will be carried out using full closures of the A75 to ensure the safety of roadworkers and motorists whilst it is undertaken, and due to some deeper excavations required. There will also be daytime Temporary Traffic Lights in place to facilitate the cooling of deeper sections of treatment.

The signed diversions will operate as follows:

  • Westbound traffic will leave the A75 at Garroch Roundabout and travel east to Cargenbridge. At Cargenbridge, traffic will be directed to turn right at the roundabout to join the A711 southbound to Dalbeattie. At Dalbeattie, traffic will turn right to join the B794 northbound and continue on to the A75.
  • Eastbound traffic will join the B794 and continue to Dalbeattie. At Dalbeattie, traffic will turn left to join the A711 northbound to Cargenbridge, before turning left at the roundabout to re-join the A75 at Garroch Roundabout.
  • Please note: there will be a Traffic Restriction Order in place to stop traffic joining School Brae Road (Old Military Road) from the B794.

Access for emergency service vehicles will be maintained throughout these works.

Please note, all schemes are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not favourable.

Council Says School Closure Decision ‘Not Taken Lightly’

COUNCIL SAYS SCHOOL CLOSURE DECISION 'NOT TAKEN LIGHTLY!'

School Closures due to Industrial Action – Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 September

Following ongoing and updated information on the availability of staff, the decision has been made by Dumfries and Galloway council to close all local authority schools and local authority Early Learning Centre (ELC) settings on Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 September, inclusive.

All school and ELC facilities that Dumfries and Galloway Council operates will be closed on these three days, due to industrial action taking place.

Remote/Online learning will be in place wherever possible.

This decision has not been taken lightly, and is based on information that we did not have last week, when we wrote to parents and carers to advise of potential closures for some schools/ELC’s. It is an ever-changing picture, and as such, if the picture changes again before the first strike day (Tuesday 26 September), we will of course issue updates. We appreciate the inconvenience associated with this information, but please be assured that this information is coming to you as a parent/carer/learner in as timely a manner as is practically possible.

Free School Meals

A financial payment will be made to those who receive free school meals via qualifying benefits. This payment will be made to the relevant bank accounts within 7 days of the last strike day. For families who require food support over the strike days, please see Food Bank locations and contact details at https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/article/25586/Food-Banks.

Blow For Town As Lochthorn Dental Clinic Dumfries Closure Announced

Blow For Town As Lochthorn Dental Clinic Dumfries Closure Announced
Image credit - Advanced Dentistry

THE OWNERS of a dental clinic in Dumfries have taken the decision to close the service, with messaging going out to patients to inform them of this move.   

 

Scottish Dental Care have issued a letter confirming the closure of Lochthorn Dental Clinic.  This will result in the de-registration of 2556 NHS patients by Scottish Dental Care.

 

In the letter, it notes that the decision has not been taken lightly but that the dental sector is facing a severe shortage of dental professionals which is making patient care within certain areas very difficult to deliver.

 

Scottish Dental Care also operate Dumfries Dental Clinic and Implant Centre in Dumfries High Street, and they are extending an offer to register Lochthorn patients at the High Street clinic on a private basis.

 

Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “The situation regarding access to NHS dental services in Dumfries and Galloway is a significant concern and one the Board is taking very seriously.
“We continue to work with all dental practices across the region that are struggling to recruit and retain dentists to encourage and support the provision of NHS general dental services. We are also continuing to work closely with Scottish Government colleagues on these matters.
“However, lack of dentists coming to work in the region is the key issue, compounded by challenges in dental workforce numbers that are being seen across the UK.”

 

Unfortunately no dental practices in the region are able to offer NHS registration for new patients.

 

Anyone who is not registered with a dentist and requires emergency dental care can access that by contacting the Dental Helpline on 0845 602 6417.

 

Meanwhile, information on maintaining dental health can be accessed via the newly-established local website https://dghscp.co.uk/dental-health/

 

 

Stars Shine At Wigtown’s 25th Book Festival Opening Weekend

Stars Shine At Wigtown's 25th Book Festival Opening Weekend
Colin Hattersley Photography -

The first weekend of the 25th Wigtown Book Festival saw Scotland’s National Book Town welcome a host of celebrities and special guests.

Among those taking part were Judy Murray, who spoke about her new novel The Wild Card, and Hamza Yassin, the Strictly champion, cameraman and CBeebies ranger, who led a birdwatching walk and discussed his book How to be a Birder.

Former UK Food Tsar Henry Dimbleby, who resigned in February due to the government’s failure to tackle junk food, spoke about his book Ravenous – How to Get Ourselves and our Planet into Shape.

His book explores why our world food systems are going so badly wrong and the disastrous consequences for individuals, health systems and the whole of UK society due to poor diet and highly processed foods.

It also looks at the immense damage the food industry causes to the environment and its impact on climate change.

Dimbleby gave a stark warning that: “It isn’t just the planet that our food system is destroying it is also destroying our bodies.

“In this country, by 2035, the NHS estimates that it’s going to spend as much treating type two diabetes, which is one condition of diet related disease alone, as it spends on cancers today.
“The Treasury thinks that of the 2.5 million people who are out of work a huge number are being affected by muscular skeletal diseases, type two diabetes, hypertension, diseases of diet
“If you play this forward, we become not just a sick nation, but an impoverished one.”

Dimbleby calls for “modest” reductions in meat consumption, the shift of some agricultural land to new and more environmentally-friendly uses, action to reduce junk food consumption and improve people’s diets.

He was deeply critical of the current “junk food cycle” which makes it so profitable for companies to sell the highly processed foods which make up 55% of UK diets.

Dimbleby said: “This is what the junk food cycle looks like – huge multinational conglomerates battling it out at Children’s eye level in supermarkets for share of our stomachs. And you’re not going to tackle that unless you tackle the financial incentives.”

He pointed to the success there has been in areas such as reducing smoking to show that change is possible.

Dimbleby also argued that grassroots action can make bring huge progress and said that many of the best examples of progress he has seen had been from actions taken by “people who cared”. This could range from teaching young people to cook from scratch and getting them interested in good food, through to taking an interest in meals served in schools.

Other well-known names included Pat Nevin, who discussed his book Football and How to Survive It, his highly entertaining account as life as a player then CEO of Motherwell.

Over the weekend children and families were also invited by visiting Belgian illustrator Tom Schamp to help create a large artwork inspired by Wigtown and the book festival.

Adrian Turpin, festival artistic director said: “We couldn’t have wished for a better start to the 25th annual Wigtown Book Festival. The town has been really buzzing with energy – and there’s still a week left to go with a huge amount more to look forward to.”

Among the attractions during the rest of the festival, which runs until 1 October, are:

  • Jeremiah Bourne in Time – Nigel Planer – who shot to fame as Neil in The Young Ones – discusses his new time-travel novel. Saturday, 30 September, 8pm.
  • Remembering Fay Weldon, My Mentor – Nigel Planer reveals how their close friendship was sparked by a short fan letter. Sunday, 1 October, 10.30am.
  • Fearless – Meet Louise Minchin for her first-hand account of swimming to the California shore from Alcatraz, free-diving under ice in darkest Finland and cycling across Argentina. Tuesday, 26 September, 6pm.

The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival To Be Held In Dumfries and Galloway

The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival To Be Held In Dumfries and Galloway

The DG Creative Wellbeing Network is helping to coordinate Dumfries and Galloway’s contribution to the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2023. The festival takes place from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 22 October. 

 

Working in partnership with the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, NHS D&G Public Health, DGRI, The Crichton and RBC Film Theatre, DG Creative Wellbeing has worked hard to bring two exciting and important events to audiences in this region.

 

DG Creative Wellbeing – a two year regional programme of impactful arts activities delivered by Outpost Arts – invites you to visit the ‘Keep Turning the Page’ exhibition of art works from the programme’s Art Journal Project, and to book now for a special screening of ‘Up the Middle Road: Stories of Resilience and Recovery’, after which audience members can enjoy a Q&A with a special guest panel including inspirational speakers who are artists. arts organisers, and mental health professionals from NHS D&G, The Crichton Trust, and Outpost Arts.

 

OutPost Art’s Creative Wellbeing Network will also be launching its ‘Manifesto for Creative Wellbeing’ – the start of a year of creative and collaborative consultations where the organisation will engage with stakeholders to build a regional ‘agenda for change’ – exploring the creative and culture sector’s potential to positively influence people’s health and wellbeing, and confronting barriers and inequalities.

 

We spoke to Lucy MacLeod, OutPost Arts’ Creative Health & Wellbeing Director, about the Art Journal Project, and she shared how it all started.

“During lockdown in 2020, Outpost Arts delivered a small pilot ‘Art Journal Project’, funded by the Scottish Government Supporting Communities Fund. The ‘community well-being’ programme consisted of guided workshops, bespoke tuition, and specialist support from professional artist tutors, aimed at adults struggling to manage stress or to ‘make space’ in order to achieve balance and well-being in their lives. The project targeted carers, key workers, people suffering from physical or mental health issues, people struggling with loneliness, isolation, grief, and trauma. The project culminated in an exhibition that showcased curated samples from participant’s art journals and larger scale pieces that graduates had worked towards by developing their skills via art journal workshops and feedback sessions. The exhibition featured as part of an open weekend linked to Spring Fling, and the response was overwhelmingly positive – both from visitors and participants.
To advance and galvanise Outpost Art’s creative wellbeing activity, we embarked upon a six-month research and development project to expand the project’s reach through partnership working, and scope the potential of a regional partnership network to advance creative wellbeing in D&G. With support from NHS Endowment Fund, Holywood Trust, and South of Scotland Enterprise, OPA used the momentum gathered following the delivery of Art Journal Project to widen access points for participation and form a strong and effective creative social-prescribing model; building relationships with partner organisations and creating clearer ‘next steps’ for people wanting to continue their creative well-being journeys.”

As a result of the research and development project, OutPost Arts achieved support from NHS Endowment Fund, Holywood Trust, National Lottery Community Fund, Robertson Trust, and Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund to deliver an enhanced programme of community-based creative wellbeing activities over two years. OutPost Arts have also formed a partnership with NHS Dumfries & Galloway – coordinating an embedded ‘Art in Healthcare’ programme across D&G’s healthcare sites – delivering workshops, public events and enhancements to clinical environments.

This powerful work continues so this year, as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, an exhibition of the works from the Art Journal Project, samples of work from the Art Journal Class of 2023 is being exhibited at DGRI, entitled, “Keep Turning the Page”. The exhibition is open to the public, patients, and staff who can view original works created by the intrepid “Art Journallers”.

‘KEEP TURNING THE PAGE’ – An exhibition of work by participants of ‘Art Journal Project’ 2023

The Art Journal Project is a key strand of the OutPost Arts’ community-based ‘DG Creative Wellbeing’ programme. OutPost Arts has developed the project with D&G Carers Centre, CAHMS, D&G College, Langholm Academy, and partner arts organisation For Enjoyment CIC. A person-centred counsellor also works with the project’s delivery team, ensuring that participants are professionally safeguarded and supported.

45 young people and adults aged from 11 upwards, and from right across D&G, received a curated box of art materials. Over a period of sixteen weeks participants worked with a range of artists and makers via in-person and remote workshops and creative research trips – exploring a wide range of visual arts practises and processes including printmaking, clay, animation, illustration, mark-making, colour theory, zine-making and creative writing. The project’s activities are designed to enhance wellbeing via creative expression, mindful practise, positive distraction, and the development of self-management tools.

The ‘Keep Turning the Page’ exhibition sees these “Art Journallers” showcase their work and share their personal journeys with a wide audience, amplifying their voices and underlining the important relationship between creativity and mental health.

The exhibition is in Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary (Atrium & OPD corridor exhibition space), DGRI, Cargenbridge, Dumfries. Running from 4th – 22nd October 2023 and is free to visit.

Open: If only visiting the exhibition, please attend 8am-6pm. The exhibition is viewable for patients, their visitors, and staff 24/7.

UP THE MIDDLE ROAD: Crichton Stories of Resilience and Recovery – Screening and Panel Discussion

Dr Valentina Bold presents excerpts from Up the Middle Road: Crichton Stories of Resilience and Recovery, made by Mike Bolan. Up the Middle Road documents events held at the former Crichton Royal Asylum in 2022, directed by Valentina as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories. It shares the recorded experiences of former patients and staff of the Crichton Royal, through new songs and stories from Emily Smith, Jamie McClennan, Amanda Edmiston and Kathleen Cronie.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A and a participatory panel discussion exploring how creative retellings of experiences can heal and dispel the stigma around poor mental health.

Following the panel Q&A/discussion, Creative Wellbeing Network’s Coordinator Tabitha Mudaliar will launch OutPost Arts’ ‘Creative Wellbeing Manifesto’ – the beginning of a year of consultation and engagement with stakeholders across D&G – confronting the impact of barriers and inequalities on our mental health, and exploring creative approaches towards forming a collective agenda for change.

Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre, Mill Road, Dumfries DG2 7BE

Wheelchair accessible venue. BSL Interpretation

FREE, (Suggested donation £5 to support local mental health charities.)

Book Tickets here.

 

 

20 MPH Speed Limit For Stranraer

20 MPH SPEED LIMIT FOR STRANRAER

Dumfries and Galloway Council is putting in place a temporary 20mph speed limit in Stranraer from 6 October 2023. The new limit is in response to a decision made at December 2021 Communities Committee, a target in the National Transport Strategy (NTS2), and feedback from the wider public.

This scheme aligns with the development of a national strategy for 20mph speed limits across Scotland, which will help support local communities and promote national government outcomes. To deliver safer roads, Transport Scotland has an aspirational target to ensure all appropriate roads in built-up areas will have a safer speed limit of 20mph by 2025.

Drivers to this policy include an ambition to improve road safety and health outcomes with additional consideration being given to active travel and climate change targets. The introduction of the new speed limit seeks to reduce perceptions of road danger, encourage people to walk, wheel and cycle, and will create more pleasant streets and neighbourhoods by providing a more equitable balance between different road users.

The Scottish Government and Dumfries and Galloway Council are committed to encouraging more people to travel by walking, wheeling and cycling; we recognise the barriers, which include concerns around safety on the roads especially for vulnerable and excluded groups. A package of 20mph measures can help reduce these anxieties, alleviate concerns and contribute to a reduction in casualty rates while improving inclusivity.

This self-enforcing, blanket 20mph speed limit will seek to encourage considerate and respectful driving within Stranraer and create a safer experience for town centre visitors. The temporary scheme will support people to shop local and shop safely, helping to revitalise the local economy.

Once in place, the temporary 20mph scheme will remain for a period of 18 months before being re-evaluated through feedback from the public and data supplied through traffic speed surveys. The evaluation results will be presented for appropriate committee approval of a permanent speed limit.

Councillor Ian Blake, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Communities Committee said: “A 20mph speed limit for Stranraer will not only reduce vehicle speeds and accidents, but also make the roads and streets more attractive and safer for active travel and vulnerable user groups. Reduced speed limits are now recognised worldwide as a means to improve road safety and prevent collisions. Evidence has shown increasing support for 20mph speed limits from communities, and the Council has agreed the formal statutory process towards permanent implementation.”
Councillor Jackie McCamon, Vice Chair of Communities Committee said: “We hope that the new 20mph limit in Stranraer will encourage more people to walk, cycle or wheel. 20mph areas help to reduce the number of road accidents and make people feel safer while going about their day-to-day journeys. The new 20mph speed limit aligns perfectly with the significant changes in the Highway Code to help pedestrians and cyclists, focusing on helping vulnerable road users by making active travel choices more attractive.”

 

All Regions Schools To Be Closed 26, 27 & 28th September Due To Strike Action

ALL REGIONS SCHOOLS TO BE CLOSED 26, 27 & 28th SEPTEMBER DUE TO STRIKE ACTION
School strikes across Scotland are going ahead on 26th, 27th, and 28th September 2023.
A letter to parents is to be issued by D&G Council this afternoon, one local school sent us this info – “We have just been informed by the Council that it is now necessary for all schools and ELCs to close on 26, 27 and 28 September. The Council will write to inform all parents and partners of this information early this afternoon.”

Teaching staff will make arrangements for learning activities for the pupils this period of closure, this will be posted on Teams during the course of Tuesday morning.”

UNISON Scotland’s local government committee met this afternoon to discuss the detail of a revised offer from COSLA which was sent to the union at 3pm this afternoon.

The union’s local government committee agreed that strikes will continue, and they will consult local government members on COSLA’s offer and recommend they reject it. The union say that COSLA’s offer is too little, too late and remains a long way from what is needed.

They say the vast majority of local government staff are being offered 5.5% which is only 0.5% more than COSLA’s original offer, which was made almost 6 months ago and rejected by UNISON members.

The union also say that the commitment to pay the lowest paid workers £15 per hour is far too vague and that because no new money has been found to fund the small improvements to the offer it will inevitably lead to more cuts to jobs and services.

UNISON Scotland’s local government committee, which is made up of representatives from local government branches across Scotland, voted unanimously to continue with strikes and to recommend rejection to UNISON members in a consultative ballot.

The union report the committee are angry that for the second year running it had taken COSLA almost 6 months to put forward a revised offer, only doing so on the eve of school closures.

UNISON have written to COSLA to say:
• For members who earn above the Scottish Local Government Living Wage this offer differs from your original offer by only 0.5% in-year.
• The offer remains below the rate of inflation meaning that local government workers are again being asked to take a real-terms pay cut which they can ill-afford during a cost of living crises.
• The commitment to deliver a minimum underpinning rate of pay of £15per hour for the local government workforce remains vague and not within a timescale that we can agree.
• COSLA’s own press release announcing this revised offer that “no new money has been identified for this offer”. When we spoke to you yesterday you made clear that in the absence of additional financial support from the Scottish Government any improvement to the offer would result in further cuts to our members jobs and the services they provide.

UNISON Scotland head of local government, Johanna Baxter said: “This revised offer is far too little, too late. Strikes will therefore proceed next week. We cannot agree to a pay offer that will result in further cuts to our members jobs and the services they provide.
It has taken COSLA 6 months to send us a revised pay offer which, for the vast majority of staff is an increase of only 0.5% in-year. These are not well-paid staff, they are on less than the Scottish average wage and it is simply not acceptable.
Far from learning the lessons of last year’s dispute the situation has been worse this year, caused further delay local government workers’ pay during a cost-of-living crises and created uncertainty for parents. This is no way to conduct industrial relations.”
Chair of UNISON Scotland’s of local government committee, Mark Ferguson said: “The offer is still below the rate of inflation meaning that local government workers are, once again, being asked to take a real-terms pay cut which they can ill-afford during a cost of living crises.
Our members have been left waiting for an improved pay offer for months after their pay uplift was due, and right up until the eve of mass school closures, whilst COSLA and the Scottish Government have prevaricated over who will find the additional money needed to fund any improved offer and where they money will come from.”

 

Lottery Funding Assures Befriending Support in Dumfries & Galloway

Lottery Funding Assures Befriending Support in Dumfries & Galloway

A Listening Ear Dumfries & Galloway will now be able to expand its current befriending services throughout the region following funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Improving Lives.

The project will see A Listening Ear continue its work to support people who are isolated and lonely in the region, extending its already successful telephone befriending service, commencing pop-up café get-togethers and training volunteers in NODA (No One Dies Alone) companionship.

Penny Halliday, Chair of Trustees for A Listening Ear, spoke of her gratitude for the funding.

She said “A Listening Ear was born as a result of lockdown in 2020 when a few local people in Stranraer came together to phone people who might need a friend during such a difficult time.  The service quickly grew thanks to the fantastic efforts of our courageous and compassionate volunteers.  We are eternally grateful to the Lottery for believing in our vision and providing the funds for us to extend our service to even more isolated and lonely people across Dumfries and Galloway”.

The services provided by A Listening Ear have proved to be a lifeline for people needing befriending support, as well as offering volunteers the opportunity to make a real difference.

Trustee and Befriending Volunteer Pat McErlean has been involved with the organisation from day one and has enjoyed every minute of it.  He said, “the befriending has helped my phone friends, and has also helped me as well”.  Pat, also well-known for his YouTube channel Wander with Mac, often uses his time when camping to have chats with his phone friend and recommends volunteering with A Listening Ear saying “It’s so easy; you can sit in your living room with a cuppa talking to someone – what could be more relaxing than that?  The benefit comes back to you, and you feel as though you’re achieving something truly worthwhile”.  His phone friend told us “Pat is right for me and has helped me in lots of ways.  I enjoy our chats and he is there when things get on top of me.  He has also helped me in practical ways and has been a significant support to me over the last couple of years.  He knows me well now and I know him, we have banter, he never fails to phone me every Monday afternoon and he is there for me when I get stuck”.

Without the support of such committed volunteers, A Listening Ear could not provide such vital services and the charity is now keen to expand its team of volunteers, ensuring its ambitions to combat loneliness and isolation in our communities are realised.

There are enormous benefits of being a volunteer; it can improve communication skills and confidence, increase employability, improve mental health, and offers a great opportunity to meet new people.

This is a wonderful charity providing much needed support to people in our community and our hope is that this caring, nurturing philosophy will further strengthen our local society in very difficult times.

If you are interested in becoming part of A Listening Ear’s dedicated volunteering team, please visit their website at www.a-listening-ear.org for further information or contact by phone on 07466 867570.

 

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