A pair of Glasgow locals have become unlikely pals thanks to a befriending service in the city.
Stephen McCarthy and Elin Cave's lives, arguably, couldn't be more different. Charity worker Stephen is a self-confessed book worm from the Gorbals who doesn't have much interaction with others beyond his part-time job. The 59-year-old was once 'desperate' for a listening ear and help in improving his mental wellbeing.
Meanwhile, between shifts at the Glasgow Science Centre, socialising with friends and heading to music festivals, Elin wanted to volunteer to 'give back'. The 23-year-old biochemistry graduate signed up in late 2020.
With 36 years between them, the pair seem miles apart. But thanks to being matched by Glasgow's Golden Generation (GGG) Stephen and Elin are now great chums after spending almost a year calling one another once a week.
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And the buddies say they've both gained from joining GGG in more ways than one. The pair are sharing their heartwarming story to mark International Day of Friendship.
Stephen, from the Gorbals, told Glasgow Live: "At the start of the pandemic I was having real mental health difficulties. I was desperate and the doctor referred me to GGG.
"I got on with Elin straight away, she was friendly and chatty from the start. We speak once a week over the phone for 30 minutes to an hour.
"I don't have much interaction with younger people so chatting away to Elin is really refreshing. She's a very intelligent girl and keeps me up to date with everything that's going on.
"She also got me into podcasts. I didn't have a clue what they were beforehand.
"We're both into books so I give her lots of recommendations. Then we discovered that we're both huge Lana Del Ray fans which is amazing.
"We don't meet up in person but I'm sure if I bumped into her in Tesco I would recognise her voice first."
Stephen stresses the weekly calls have benefitted him in ways that he could not have imagined.
"Before using GGG I was put on medication to help with my mental health struggles," he added.
"Just recently I was back at the doctor and they feel I can be moved down to a much lower dosage. That's definitely all down to GGG and Elin.
"We're in the middle of a mental health issues epidemic and it shows that we must support groups like this who offer support. It saves lives."
Elin wasn't sure what to expect when she first registered as a volunteer with GGG.
"I thought it would be a nice thing to do but wasn't sure what was lying ahead," she said.
"From the start I thought Stephen was great, he was a really nice, chatty guy and easy to talk to. He's so into books and gives me recommendations all the time, I have a list on my phone.
"Stephen is definitely my first friend who is 59-years-old but to me that doesn't really matter. I chat away to Stephen the way I would any of my other friends, but he's taught me a lot too."
Elin urges more young people in Glasgow to get involved.
"Checking in with someone once a week makes you feel good, especially if you think you're making a difference. I would also say that it's very easy, I can call Stephen from anywhere. I even did it from my tent at a music festival once.
"I've gotten so much out of this too, I would encourage anyone to become a volunteer."
GGG offers a range of support to Glasgow’s older population to tackle loneliness.
For more information on GGG visit their website or Facebook page, email mailbox@glasgowgg.org.uk or call 0141 221 9924. Visit the United Nations' website to learn more about International Day of Friendship which falls on July 30.
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