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TO help combat the effects of social isolation and loneliness, Crossroads Fife Central Befriending are looking for individuals across Fife Central, Levenmouth and the North East of Fife. By Volunteering as a Befriender you will provide a vital contact for a person, an important link to the outside world that often acts as a gateway for other services and valuable support.

Befriending is a voluntary post that provides a mutual beneficial relationship that can make positive changes to both volunteer and befriendee. Volunteer Befrienders offer some of their time to support another person to help and enable them to make positive changes in their life. Importantly it is about providing a supportive relationship to someone who is socially isolated or lonely.

There is a statistic that is probably quite familiar now, that loneliness is as bad for your heath as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and there is another less well known fact that loneliness can actually double the risk of developing dementia.

Befrienders are there to support a person to build confidence and to participate in the local and wider community. It is done in a safe environment for both parties involved, for example, in the befriendee’s home or out in the local community.

Volunteers are only asked to give the time that they can afford to give, from a 15 minute cuppa and a chat, to participating in a local community activity or group.

Volunteers are given full support and training, through the recruitment process the service takes into account the volunteers skills and knowledge to help with matching the right people together. Befriending can offer a supportive trusting relationship for all sections of the community and can contribute to the improvement of health issues.

Social Isolation and loneliness is a bigger problem than simply an emotional experience as it can have negative effects, often associated with physical and mental health issues. Befriending can be a vital lifeline for a person, Befriending can literally save lives. Shockingly the volunteer can sometimes be the only one in a person’s life that is not paid to be there.

By highlighting the importance of Volunteer Befriending in reducing social isolation and loneliness in all ages and promoting wellbeing and connecting with the local communities, Crossroads Fife Central Befriending aims to reduce the effects of social isolation and loneliness experienced by people in Fife.

All volunteers must be 16 years and over, but there is no upper age limit as ability to do the role is more important.

To volunteer please contact crossroads Fife Central Befriending on 01592 630253, email paul@ crossroadsg.co.uk or write to Crossroads Befriending, Buko Tower, suite 8, Dalton Road, Glenrothes, KY6 2SS.