Age Scotland is calling for more volunteers to join their friendship and helpline teams and help make a huge difference to the lives of older people.
Its research has revealed that 218,000 over-50s in Scotland say they feel lonely all or most of the time.
The charity aims to tackle loneliness and social isolation on a practical level through the Community Connecting Service which will be relaunching soon – and they need the public’s help.
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Community connectors and researchers support older adults across Scotland by researching and linking them up with organisations that offer friendship, social activities, health and fitness groups, events and much more.
Laura Stenhouse, head of Telephony Services at Age Scotland, said: “We have the privilege of seeing first-hand the positive impact volunteers have on the lives of older people, their families and carers across Scotland on a daily basis and know that there is so much work that simply wouldn’t be possible without their ongoing passion and generosity.
“We have home-based and office volunteering opportunities available. Usually all you need to volunteer from home is access to the internet, a laptop/ tablet or computer, headphones and a mobile phone.
“So, if you have a few spare hours each week, we’d be delighted to have you as part of our team!”
The charity currently has a wide variety of exciting volunteering roles available to people across the west of Scotland.
Some of those volunteering roles include assisting the charity’s national helpline which provides information, friendship and advice to older people, their carers and families in Scotland through a confidential freephone number.
As a helpline support volunteer, you’d be helping collect feedback on the effectiveness of the service and where there is any room for improvement.
People can also become a friendship caller for a line that is open to those over 50 in need of a chat or listening ear and we also make weekly calls to those who would benefit from a regular chat.
Last year, volunteers provided 2,763 friendship calls, with topics ranging from current issues and hobbies to top-tier biscuits and time travel.
There are also volunteer opportunities to support the veterans community as the service is currently looking for facilitator and technical support volunteers to ensure calls go smoothly.
Speaking about his experience on the Age Scotland friendship line, volunteer Jamie said: “It is such a simple thing to have a conversation with someone but, in this context, it makes a huge difference to the person. It may be the only contact they have with the outside world for days, so hearing a friendly voice really makes a difference.
“People are so appreciative of the service and for me personally it has been immensely rewarding, knowing that I have made a positive impact on someone's week by taking time to talk and listen.”
Visit www.age.scot/volunteer or get in touch by calling 0333 32 32 400 or emailing volunteering@agescotland.org.uk.
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