Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Service strives to tackle loneliness
A new befriending service has been formed to support Dundee’s LGBT community in a bid to end isolation and loneliness.
The service, Reach Out, was launched yesterday by local equalities group Dundee Pride.
Kenny Christie, a trustee of Dundee Pride, said the group was proud to launch the new service which will seek to reduce isolation, disconnectedness and loneliness during lockdown and beyond.
Reach Out will offer telephone one-to-one sessions with trained volunteers, as well as online group sessions.
Kenny said: “We will do this during this unprecedented time through the recruitment of a trained and dedicated volunteer team. We will bring together a community aiming to build resilience, connections and a strengthened support network.
“Reach Out is not a counselling service but a hosted community where participants can openly share thoughts and feelings in a safe and protected environment.”
Kenny said there is more to Dundee Pride than marches in colourful costumes, adding: “Even though people really enjoy them, Pride isn’t all about big, one-day events but more about promoting a culture of equality, support and respect throughout the year.
“In recognising this we have recently been active in building and developing new partnerships along with creating new areas of work such as Reach Out.”
Councillor Lynne Short, Dundee City Council equalities spokeswoman, added: “Since joining the board of Dundee Pride I’ve been so impressed by their proactivity and willingness to evolve into a group that can deliver real change in our city.
“Reach Out is a great opportunity for members of the community to understand that they are not alone, what they feel is quite normal and learn that they can be themselves by having a safe space to share and learn.”