Bield appeals for volunteers in Leith
One of Scotland’s leading providers of housing and care has highlighted the important role that volunteers can play in assisting older people to enjoy happy and fulfilled lives in Edinburgh.
Bield is looking for a volunteer befriender to support an older person who lives in Donaldson Court, a very sheltered housing development in Leith.
Volunteer befrienders help service users who feel isolated or who are unable to get out very easily on their own by giving their time on a one-to-one basis to help an older person maintain social contact, provide companionship and reduce social isolation.
They build positive relationships with service users, visiting them on a regular basis in their flats and spending time with them – from something as simple as a chat over a cup of tea to visiting events or local attractions.
Local Manager Carol Kelly said:
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our tenants who feel isolated or unable to get out on their own. Many would love to be able to do some of the activities they used to and, with the support of someone else, this could be possible again.”
“The difference that volunteers can make to the lives of our tenants is huge. What seems like a little thing to a volunteer can mean so much to the life of an older person. Once you help an older person to reduce their isolation, you help to improve their quality of life.”
For more information, please call Carol Kelly on 0131-553-5639 or Donna Dickson on 0131 273 4095/07887 796 744 or visit Bield’s website where you can complete an online application form.
Applications are welcome from people of all ages over 16 and a minimum of six months is required for this opportunity.