Tag: loneliness

Wellbeing Week: Vintage Vibes charity tackles loneliness one song at a time!

Local charity shortlisted for a Creative Lives Award

Edinburgh-based charity project, Vintage Vibes celebrates Wellbeing Week (24 – 30th June) as the multi-award-winning project’s over 60s singing group, Vocal Vibes is shortlisted for the Creative Lives People’s Choice Award. 

The singing group was created as part of the charity project’s social groups to improve wellbeing and tackle loneliness among older people (known as VIPs) across the city. Vintage Vibes builds confidence and friendships, empowering older people feeling lonely and isolated to live life to the full. 

Now over 20 strong, the singing group meet every fortnight to rehearse, catch up with friends and do what they all enjoy most – sing. From old tunes such as ‘Travel These Ways’ and classics like ‘We Will Rock You’, through to ABBA and The Beatles, the group love to sing and perform.

The Creative Lives Award celebrates the achievements of community-led creative projects and groups (singing, performing, dancing) and Vocal Vibes have been shortlisted for using creativity to bring people together.

VIP, George said: “I have been a member of Vocal Vibes since its formation in 2018 and have found it very therapeutic. It’s a most enjoyable part of my life and is an important part of my social life.”

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Georgia Artus, Development Manager at Vintage Vibes said: “This is so exciting for the Vocal Vibes group! They love to sing, and it brings so much joy.

“As we mark Wellbeing Week, we know how much loneliness can negatively impact a person’s wellbeing, as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and are thrilled that 91% of our members feel that Vintage Vibes groups and activities help improve their mental health and wellbeing.

“Many older people across Edinburgh face issues ranging from bereavement, lack of confidence, mobility, sudden/ongoing poverty, dementia, mental health challenges, and/or living with a disability, and supporting and celebrating groups such as Vocal Vibes is essential to enriching local lives.

“Vintage Vibes was created to help lonely and isolated over 60s in Edinburgh to take part in inclusive activities that they enjoy, offering friendship and fun to tackle loneliness, improve wellbeing and celebrate individuality.

“The singing group is part of our wider events, groups and activities across the city to empower older people feeling alone to join together with like-minded volunteers and enjoy life. We’re so happy to be shortlisted – but to win would be amazing! Please vote if you can!”

Recent feedback from the older people the charity supports has shown that 97% feel that being involved with Vintage Vibes made them feel less isolated, happier and have a better quality of life. 

The group didn’t even let lockdown stop their love of getting together and singing, with Vintage Vibes uniting them on Zoom to continue the group during what was a lonely and difficult time for so many.

They even wrote and performed their own song called ‘Tomorrow’ which you can find on our YouTube channel at ‘Tomorrow’ by Vocal Vibes (Vintage Vibes) #TagforTomorrow (youtube.com).

Judging panels from each nation will choose a winner for Scotland, England, Ireland & Northern Ireland, and Wales, while members of the public can vote for their favourite in the People’s Choice Awards!

Voting in the People’s Choice Award is open until 29 July 2024. To learn more about the shortlisted projects and to cast your vote, visit https://www.creative-lives.org/2024-shortlist.

34 creative groups shortlisted from across Scotland, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Winners will be announced at the Creative Lives Awards ceremony in Cecil Sharp House, London on 26 September 2024, partnering with the Everyday Creativity Research Network conference. Winners will receive a bespoke award, framed certificate, cash prize and access to support and training.

In what has been an amazing month for Vintage Vibes, the project is also celebrating winning the Evaluating Impact Award at Generations Working Together’s Excellence Awards on 11th June 2024 for their work tackling isolation in older people across Edinburgh through intergenerational friendships, groups, events, and constant listening and learning.

A video demonstrating Vintage Vibes vital work in the community can be found at https://vimeo.com/960285360.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and Scottish Opera from new partnership to bring the therapeutic benefits of song to those with aphasia

  • Building on Scottish Opera’s ground breaking Breath Cycle project, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is collaborating with the country’s largest performing arts organisation to improve the lives of those living with aphasia, a communication difficulty that is a common effect of strokes
  • A new research report launched earlier this month by CHSS revealed that poor mental health and loneliness are severely impacting people in Scotland living with aphasia

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) and Scottish Opera have joined forces to develop online singing classes for people living with aphasia, which is caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls language, and in some cases leaves some unable to speak at all.​

These new CHSS and Scottish Opera sessions coincide with Aphasia Awareness Month, which runs throughout June. This year’s theme is #AphasiaTogether, emphasising that those with the condition do not need to deal with this on their own.​

This new strand of creative music making with CHSS — Scotland’s largest health charity working to help people with chest, heart and stroke conditions live life to the full — expands upon Scottish Opera’s pioneering Breath Cycle project, designed to support those with a range of conditions affecting lung health.​

Following research and development sessions with medical educators, CHSS staff and people living with aphasia are working with Scottish Opera to provide supported communication and aphasia training, and help deliver the therapeutic singing, song-writing and breath control sessions.

The aim of these workshops is to improve the mental wellbeing and confidence in communication of those with aphasia and respiratory issues including COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), across the country.​

Earlier this month, CHSS launched a report about the impact of aphasia on those living with the condition which revealed that:

  • More than half (52 per cent) of people with aphasia say their condition affects their mental health
  • Nearly half (48 per cent) with aphasia said they experienced loneliness as a result of their condition.
  • 43 per cent of people with aphasia said it impacted on their ability to work as before
  • A third (34 per cent) of people with aphasia reported being treated negatively due to their condition.

CEO of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, Jane-Claire Judson, commented: “Working with Scottish Opera to unlock the therapeutic benefits of singing and song-writing to people living with aphasia is a fantastic opportunity to tackle real issues facing people across the country.

“We regularly hear from the people we support that living with a communication difficulty following stroke can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness and have a negative impact on mental health.

“We look forward to bringing people together to experience the joy of singing with others whilst exploring the benefits of singing and song writing to their communication skills.”

Jane Davidson MBE, Director of Outreach & Education at Scottish Opera, said: “Following on from the increased awareness of our Breath Cycle II programme in 2020, which was designed for people living with Long COVID and other respiratory conditions, Scottish Opera is excited to partner with CHSS to support people with aphasia.

“The work that CHSS undertakes each year with hundreds of thousands of Scots has set really high standards in the positive integration of mental health and well-being initiatives with clinical intervention.

“As Scotland’s largest performing arts company, we feel that the values of both our organisations are beautifully aligned in this new collaboration that seeks to enhance the quality of people’s lives across the country.”

Composer Gareth Williams, who along with writer Martin O’Connor, mentored the most recent online song writing Breath Cycle sessions said: “Our encounters with the Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland team, and our first conversations with our participants who have aphasia have been so inspiring.

“Our challenge is to help people find and connect with their voices again, both their physical voices and their creative voices. There are incredible stories to tell in this community, and together we will find them and share them through song.”

Lothian MSP hosts roundtable to tackle the issue of Social Isolation


Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has hosted a roundtable at the Scottish Parliament to bring communities, charities and organisations together to bring an end to the loneliness and isolation that is causing a public health and well-being crisis across the country. 

Edinburgh is classed as one of the loneliest places to live in the UK. Changing Britain research found that 33 per cent of Edinburgh citizens do not feel that they are involved or feel part of the community.

The cost-of-living crisis is adding to the awful knock-on effects of loneliness and isolation particularly in older people, where it has been shown to increase the risks of dementia by 50%, and heart attacks and stroke by 30%. 

The roundtable was attended by a range of charities who are leaders in the field of social isolation and measures to reduce it’s impact on individuals in communities across the country.

Also speaking was Dr Jane Morris, Head of the Royal College of Psychiatry, to talk on the effects on mental health. As well as Dr Morris, Police Scotland’s specialist on scammers and fraudsters who target the elderly and isolated, DCI Steven Trim, spoke at the roundtable.

Mr Briggs has previously called on SNP Ministers to provide great funding to tackle loneliness and social isolation in Scotland.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “I am pleased that we have had the opportunity to discuss measures to reduce loneliness and social isolation across Lothian and the rest of Scotland.

“From the roundtable it was clear that people are passionate about tackling loneliness in Scotland.

“Feeling lonely is a horrible feeling and I am optimistic that we can take forward actions that will prevent people in communities up and down the country from feeling lonely.

“This was a very productive roundtable and there is plenty of work to be getting on with to make people feel more connected across Scotland.”

LifeCare turns “blue Monday” to “brew Monday” with launch of chatty café scheme to combat loneliness

 A scheme to encourage members of the local community to “get chatting” in cafés in a bid to tackle loneliness and social isolation is being launched at local charity LifeCare Edinburgh’s community café, CaféLife, in early 2024.  

Part of the Chatty Café Scheme, the “chat and natter” tables offer a designated space in CaféLife where customers of all ages can come together to meet new people and have a chat.

The scheme is set to turn “blue Monday” to “brew Monday” as customers will enjoy free tea and coffee between 11am and 2pm, as well as the opportunity to meet lots of new and friendly faces, at the launch on Monday (15th January).  

LifeCare Chief Executive, Sarah Van Putten, said: “Our community hub and café is a unique space, embedded in the local community, that brings together generations for activities, classes, and groups. Signing up to be part of the Chatty Café Scheme with the addition of our “Chat and Natter” table will further enhance our already significant social value.

“100,000 older people in Scotland feel lonely all or most of the time1, with Edinburgh named recently as one of the loneliest cities in the UK2. Loneliness is an epidemic that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or background. Something as simple as a regular conversation could change a person’s life.

“We’re delighted to be turning Blue Monday to Brew Monday by offering free tea and coffee on the day of the launch, and we hope it will make the start of 2024 a little bit brighter for those in our local community who need it.”  

LifeCare Edinburgh is a local charity with a proud 80-year-history of providing uplifting, positive and practical support for older people. Their vision is of a society where no older person is alone or isolated, and their professional and high-quality support is delivered to the most vulnerable members of the community – including those living with dementia and unpaid (often older themselves) carers – within the home and out and about.

Demand for the charity’s services have risen at an unprecedented rate through the cost-of-living crisis, and they recently launched an urgent appeal to raise funds so they can continue to provide vital support during the difficult winter months.  

The charity’s thriving community Cafe, CaféLife, has become a vital lifeline for many loyal customers.

71-year-old David, who has lived in Stockbridge all his life, has been coming to the Café for almost 10 years: “I stay in sheltered housing in the local area, and they don’t offer meals there. We can come, eat, and get a blether, we’re made so welcome and it’s a fabulous place with fabulous staff. It gets you out and about.”

The Café also holds a special place in the heart of Sofiya and her friends: “We’ve been coming to the café every Wednesday for over 10 years. In the beginning there were four of us, one person sadly died, the other person is now living with dementia and is about to go into a home so there’s now only 2 of us left.

“We think the staff are exceptional. We’ve got to know them all very well over the years and we have a good laugh every week.” 

The “chat and natter” tables will be a permanent addition to CaféLife following on from the launch, with two-hour sessions, supported by volunteers, taking place on a weekly basis. All proceeds from CaféLife fund the charity’s vital services.  

Jenny Bimpson, Volunteer Manager at Chatty Café, said: “The Chatty Café Scheme, launched in 2017, helps reduce loneliness via the use of Chatter & Natter tables.

“Designating a few tables in a café, pub or community centre creates a space for people to connect, have conversations and meet new people.  The sessions are supported by Chatty Café volunteers, welcoming people to the table and helping to create a friendly atmosphere”.  

The Chatty Café scheme is a brainchild of Alexandra Hoskyn, who founded it after a miserable day at a supermarket café with her infant son, where she noticed that no one was talking to each other.

She found that by simply putting ‘Chatter and Natter’ signs on tables in cafes it created a space for people to talk.

Anyone can join the table; if you’re on your own, in a couple, with a friend, if you’re a carer why not sit there with who you care for, mums and babies, dads and babies, grandparents and babies, young people, older people and anyone in between!

It’s a great way to meet new people in your community.  

Are Ewe Okay? Fiona the Sheep is Ambaasador for Mental Health

World’s Loneliest Sheep – Ambaasador for Mental Health Message

A sheep which shot to stardom last month when she was rescued after two years living at the bottom of some remote cliffs, is now helping to encourage steps to prevent loneliness in the agricultural community.

The Scotch Mule cross Charollais ewe was named Fiona by the team of friends; Graeme Parker, Als Couzens, Ally Williamson, James Parker and Cammy Wilson of The Sheep Game, who rescued her after she became known as the “world’s loneliest sheep” when Jill Turner spotted her while kayaking near the base of the cliffs.

The story of Fiona’s rescue attracted interest from the media around the world, with numerous TV stations and newspapers running the story – from CNN and the New York Times to the Sydney Herald.

She is now enjoying life – and lots of company – at Dalscone Farm, Dumfries where she is now helping to raise the profile of RSABI’s #KeepTalking campaign and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs’ AreEweOK? mental health message.

“Fiona settled in here straight away and she’s doing really well,” said Ben Best, who runs Dalscone.

“We’re delighted that not only has she helped to raise £11,000 for RSABI and the Scottish SPCA, thanks to donations from people keen to help, she is now also helping to spread the word about such an important message at this time of year.”

Carol McLaren, Chief Executive of RSABI, said: “We know there can be a lot of loneliness in the farming community, particularly at this time of year, and the #KeepTalking campaign highlights how important it is for people to keep in touch and keep an eye out for anyone who could be feeling low or lonely.

“We know that just a little kindness can make a massive difference for someone who is struggling.”

RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry.

Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.

You can find further information on the RSABI website www.rsabi.org.uk.  

Thousands of older people will be alone this Christmas – but a card can make all the difference

Call out for Edinburgh locals to join schools and businesses in sending a card to a chronically isolated, local older person this Christmas through Vintage Vibes

Edinburgh-based charity project, Vintage Vibes today announced the launch of their Christmas Card Campaign to ensure lonely and isolated older people in the city receive a Christmas card this year.

Since 2017, Vintage Vibes has asked thousands of local people to write Christmas cards to isolated older people in the city by sending them a profile of someone who will be lonely this festive season – and this year more than ever they need the public to get involved!

Edinburgh locals are invited to show their support by visiting Vintage Vibes’ website, where they can donate and receive a profile of a local, lonely older person – from Betty who loves cats and crafting, to Edward who puts tomatoes on his cereal!

They can then write a personalised Christmas card to them and send it on to Vintage Vibes in time to distribute for Christmas. All the family can get involved, with Vintage Vibes VIPs loving to receive children’s drawings and crafts as part of the card!

One female VIP who spent Christmas day alone last year told Vintage Vibes: “Sitting here on my own, receiving your cards and letters gives me something to look forward to. It does make such a difference, thank you.”

With new findings from the University of Glasgow and data from a UK Biobank study, showing the devastating impact social isolation can have on older people – the need for inclusion and meaningful connections has never been greater.

Findings showed, those aged over the age of fifty-seven, who experienced more than one form of social isolation, such as often feeling lonely, not seeing friends or family, or living alone for a prolonged period had a 77% higher risk of dying earlier.

As one of The Edinburgh Playhouse’s Charities of the Year, Vintage Vibes teamed up with staff at the theatre to launch this year’s campaign which is designed to make older people, who might be alone over the festive season, feel valued and remembered.

Georgia Artus, Development Manager at Vintage Vibes said: “During the pandemic, we all got a taste isolation many older people suffer daily.

“Sadly, for a great many, that isolation will continue without the support of Vintage Vibes and our wonderful network of volunteers. 

“Edinburgh is one of the loneliest cities in the UK for older people and we know something as simple as receiving a Christmas card can make all the difference to someone who will be alone over the festive period. I would encourage anyone to get involved, it is easy to do and makes such a difference.”

Claire McCarragher, Deputy Customer Experience Manager: “We at The Edinburgh Playhouse are delighted to be taking part in this year’s Vintage Vibes, Christmas Card Campaign.

“The staff are looking forward to connecting with the VIPs and making their festive period a little bit brighter.”

To take part in Vintage Vibes’ Christmas Card Campaign and make this Christmas special for a local lonely older person visit vintagevibes.org.uk.

Aldi launches partnership with Age Scotland to help combat loneliness this winter

Young Scots are being encouraged to send a poem or joke to an older person this festive season, through ‘Festive Friends’ post-boxes launching in Aldi Scotland stores this week

Young Scots are being encouraged to bring some much-needed joy to older people experiencing loneliness this winter, through a new campaign launched by Aldi and Age Scotland, the national charity for older people, this month.

The ‘Festive Friends’ campaign will ask shoppers with young children to share their favourite poem or joke on a Festive Friends postcard and submit it through post-boxes which will be in all Scottish Aldi stores from Tuesday, 7th November until Sunday, 19th November. 

Postcards will be distributed to 90 of Age Scotland’s community groups hosting a Christmas event throughout late November and December, funded by Age Scotland grants.

Age Scotland has member groups in communities around the country; for many older people, this will be one of the biggest social events, if not the only social event, they will attend this winter. 

Aldi Scotland will also be donating £1,000 to Age Scotland to support 200 calls on its Friendship Line, a free telephone service which older people can call to have a friendly chat during their day, to help combat feelings of isolation.  

One Friendship Line call to an older person costs £5, and shoppers who are able can also donate directly to the charity via QR codes found on every Festive Friends post-box.

The campaign has launched off the back of recent findings from Age Scotland’s Big Survey*, which indicated that almost two-thirds (66%) of older people don’t feel valued for their contribution to society. The campaign aims to remind them of the joy of shared friendships and people thinking of them, near and far.

Stacey Kitzinger, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Age Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to team up with Aldi to help spread some festive cheer this winter and make a difference to the lives of older people in communities across Scotland.

“While many of us are looking forward to spending the festive season with family and friends, it is heartbreaking to think that the equivalent of one older person in every street in Scotland feels lonely all or most of the time.

“The festive period is an opportunity for communities and generations to come together. That’s why we’re encouraging younger shoppers and their families to add some sparkle to an older person’s day this winter and share their favourite poem or joke on Aldi’s Festive Friends postcard.

“Money is tight for many, but reaching out doesn’t have to cost anything and knowing someone is thinking of them could be the best gift an older person feeling lonely receives this winter.”

Richard Holloway, Regional Director at Aldi Scotland, added: “This is a fantastic partnership which should make a really positive difference to people living in communities right across Scotland. There is a wonderful opportunity here to light up someone’s day through the words of children and young people.

“Age Scotland does excellent work, and we hope the support of our shoppers will continue to help those most in need, especially those who are feeling particularly isolated this winter season.”

Festive Friends postcards will be available in all Scottish Aldi stores today – Tuesday 7th November. For full T&Cs, visit: age.scot/aldi.

* https://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/bigsurvey.

Local businesses come together to tackle loneliness in the city

VINTAGE VIBES BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Award-winning Edinburgh-based charity project, Vintage Vibes is marking eight years of tackling the loneliness crisis in the city by having a party for lonely and isolated older people (their VIPs) and delivering cupcakes to those who are housebound and unable to attend Vintage Vibes’ birthday celebrations at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo.

Teaming up with Cuckoo’s Bakery and EZ Bike Tours, they delivered a birthday treat and a chat to older people who were unable to attend due to health or mobility issues to ensure nobody was left out of the celebrations.

Vintage Vibes brings people together through friendship matches, groups, and events to tackle social isolation and loneliness in the over the 60s across Edinburgh.

Since its creation in 2015, the charity partnership has now helped over 1000 older people in the city to establish one-to-one friendships based on mutually shared interests from baking, gaming and, like Aly and Betty, beach walks and milkshakes.

Events, and groups are also available from sewing to cinema, and singing to bring people together for fun and friendship.

Gemma Wright, Communications and Fundraising Lead at Vintage Vibes, said: “We are so grateful to Cuckoo’s Bakery, EZ Bike Tours and Edinburgh Zoo for helping to make our 8th birthday celebrations so amazing.

“We delivered cupcakes to the homes of our wonderful VIPs that were sadly, unable to join us for our birthday party. We exist to bring fun and friendship to older people who are feeling lonely and isolated through our network of amazing friendship volunteers and the support of local businesses and funding partnerships.

“We would like to thank all involved for your ongoing support and helping us to ensure everyone was included.”

Having successfully delivered over 20,000 hours of volunteering, Vintage Vibes’ 2023 annual survey showed that 95% of their VIPs felt that being involved in the project left them feeling happier and gave them a better quality of life.

Vintage Vibes is now seeking amazing new Edinburgh-based volunteers to expand the project and offer support to even more older people across the city.

Thomas Partridge, Director of Cuckoo’s Bakery said: “We first helped Vintage Vibes back in 2017 when we supported their heart-warming Christmas Card Campaign. We are delighted to be able to make a difference again and provide celebration cupcakes to those older people who were unable to attend the party.

“The team at our new bakery on Grindlay Street waved them off on their mission to tackle isolation in the city and we hope everyone enjoyed the fun!”

Euan at EZ Bike Tours said: “We’re delighted to support Vintage Vibes in making their birthday celebrations extra special and to play our part in helping to tackle loneliness in older people across Edinburgh.”

For more information on becoming a Vintage Vibes volunteer, please contact Vintage Vibes by emailing hello@vintagevibes.org.uk or visit vintagevibes.org.uk.

Sight Scotland: Volunteer Befrienders held battle loneliness and isolation

Sight Scotland, Scotland’s largest sight loss organisation, is appealing for more volunteer befrienders to help battle loneliness and isolation. The charity says that a regular visit to a vulnerable person can be life changing.

A volunteer befriender is someone who provides trained support and companionship to a lonely, or emotionally distressed, person. Befriending is proven to battle seclusion and self-isolation while increasing self-esteem and confidence.

Tamas Danyi-Nagy, a 31-year-old Hungarian who moved to Scotland eight years ago, is a Sight Scotland befriender. Tam visits Freda Steel, 67, from Musselburgh, every week and says the friendship they have built up has been life changing for both of them.

He explains: “Loneliness affects us all, whether that is directly or through someone close to us. Befriending offers supportive, reliable relationships, through volunteers to people who would otherwise be socially isolated. Befriending often provides people with a new direction in life and can unlock a range of activities that a person would struggle to do on their own.

“I visit Freda every Tuesday and help her with whatever she needs to do. Whether that’s a coffee and a chat, going shopping, or going for a walk. When I was a teenager, I had a friend who was blind, we were quite close, and I used to help him a lot. I found this very inspiring and felt I had a real instinct for helping, so I decided I wanted to help others in a similar way if I could.

“I started at the beginning of January 2023 and have found it just so rewarding. Freda and I have built up a strong friendship and we both get a lot out of the experience; I find it very humbling. I know I am really helping her, but in many ways, she is helping me just as much.

“When I first started it was like meeting anyone new, it was a little awkward as we were both trying to get to know each other. But we soon started to click, and Freda could see I was there to try and help her, and gradually she started to open up and tell me about what help she needed, and what struggles she was having. We had to build up trust with each other and it has now developed into a real friendship, where we both look forward to spending time in each other’s company.

“I try to explain everything to her when we are together, whether that is in the house, at a café, or out for a walk. She is a real inspiration, and so knowledgeable on many subjects. Freda is about the same age as my Mum, so I feel a real connection. She has made me appreciate everything I have and has made me listen to the beauty we hear every day around us.

“It is amazing to see how Freda’s life has changed through the befriending programme, she has become so much more confident and outgoing. During Covid, Freda was stuck in her house with no one to talk to, or help her, and this really affected her mental health. The difference I have seen in Freda since I started has been incredible, she has become so much chattier with me, and with others when we are out, I could see her confidence returning and growing week by week.

“She used to get all her food delivered, but now she looks forward to going out to local her local butcher for example, or local grocer. They all know her and treat her like a long-lost friend, it is so nice to see, and you can tell she is really enjoying it. We meet up every Tuesday and every week she is making more plans and has more appointments. I am just so happy I could help her.”

Tam adds: “If anyone is considering becoming a volunteer befriender my advice would be just go for it, it really is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. You are making such a difference to a person’s life; it is incredible to have the ability to do this for someone.”

James Whyte, Volunteer Development Manager for Sight Scotland comments: “Befriending is often transformational to a person with sight loss and can open a whole new world to someone who lives alone.

“We are currently looking for more volunteers like Tam, who are willing to give up their time to help others. Just doing the simplest things like having a coffee and a chat can make such a difference to someone who is isolated and lonely. A regular visit can be quite literally life changing.” 

If you are interested in becoming a Sight Scotland Befriender or finding out about the many other ways you can volunteer with the charity, please visit:

sightscotland.org.uk/volunteer.

Alternatively, you can contact James Whyte, Volunteer Development Manager at james.whyte@sightscotland.org.uk or call 0131 446 3154.