CARAIDEAN LEODHAIS

Caraidean Leodhais (Lewis Befriending Scheme) was established in 1997 and is managed by Voluntary Action Lewis at the Lewis Voluntary Resource Centre in Stornoway

Caraidean Leodhais aims to: Reduce loneliness and promote social activities among those who are socially isolated for a variety of reasons. These may include being housebound through disability or ill health or simply living alone—particularly in the remote rural areas of Lewis. It may also be that some are experiencing difficulties in their lives and would benefit from the social contact.

A Befriender can: Meet with you regularly, usually weekly. Spend time getting to know you and provide company for you in a way which suits your particular circumstances. Visit you at home or accompany you on social outings or occasional shopping trips.

The Befriending Scheme is: Available to anyone over 18 years. Free of charge and will not affect any other forms of care or support which you may already have.

A confidential service. Co-ordinated by the Project Worker. All Befrienders are volunteers who have been screened and trained.

You can contact the service: Directly by telephone or in writing. Through a relative or carer or other agency such as a social worker or health professional.

The Project Worker will then: Visit you at home and discuss your request and when a suitable Befriender is available, make arrangements for you to meet with them. The final decision to have a Befriender is yours, no matter who has contacted the service on your behalf. Thereafter, the Project Worker will remain in contact with you and the Befriender to ensure that the quality of service is maintained.

If you would like more information or would like to meet for an informal chat please contact Willie Foulger (Administrative Volunteer) on (01851)702632 or at the address at the bottom of the page.

• Reduce loneliness and promote social activities among those who are socially isolated for a variety of reasons.
• These may include being housebound through disability or ill health or simply living alone particularly in the remote areas of rural Lewis.
• It may also be that some are experiencing difficulties in their lives and would benefit from the social contact.

Befriending Volunteers:

• Must be at least 18 years and over.
• Receive induction and ongoing training.
• Receive regular support from the Project Worker.
• Receive reimbursement of expenses at 25p per mile.
• Are matched with suitable beneficiaries with whom they have something in common.
• Are involved in group outings and recreational activities with clients and other volunteers, such as walking and fishing.

Are you:

• Interested in working with people including the elderly, those with mental health problems or special needs?
• Prepared to undertake induction training?
• Prepared to commit some of your time—usually 2 hours per week—to be with a beneficiary?
• Prepared to complete a disclosure application?
• Prepared to have fun and/or participate in group outings and activities?
  

If so and you would like more information and/or an informal discussion, contact the address below.

Willie Foulger
Administrative Volunteer
Lewis Befriending Scheme
Voluntary Action Lewis
30 Francis Street, Stornoway
Isle of Lewis HS1 2ND

Tel: (01851) 702632
Fax: (01851) 703035
Email: befriending@valewis.org.uk

Funded by: