Why we need your help
We are starting a befriending service to extend the social support Carers of East Lothian (CoEL) can offer to carers.
The charity Carers UK reports that 8 in 10 carers have felt lonely or socially isolated as a result of their unpaid caring role. We already run peer support groups but we know that some carers need or prefer one-to-one interactions, which is why we are asking for your help.
We are looking for volunteers who are good listeners to maintain regular contact with carers to connect them to others and the organisation. Contact would be by telephone initially but we hope to introduce face-to-face options in the future.
If you have two to four hours to spare each month, for a period of six to twelve months, please consider volunteering with the befriending service, especially if you have personal experience of some of the challenges that caring for another person who relies on your support can bring.
What we can offer you
We want volunteering to be a fun and rewarding experience for all. In addition to training, ongoing support and supervision, we can offer you:
- Opportunities to meet new people
- Opportunities to develop your skills and confidence
- Opportunities to make a difference to carers in your community
- References and recognition of your service
For an informal chat about volunteering with the befriending service, please contact Kirsteen on 0131 665 0135 or at kirsteen@coel.org.uk.
You can also download a role description and application form here:
If you would like to volunteer with us but don’t think befriending is for you, please get in touch with Catherine on 0131 665 0135 or at Catherine.cain@coel.org.uk.
We’d love to chat to you about other ways you can give your time and share your talents with us to contribute towards improving the lives of carers in East Lothian.
