Can you help lonely Fifers?

Castle Befriending Scheme is seeking volunteers prepared to spend some of their spare time with an older person who’s found themselves alone for whatever reason.

In particular,organisers would like to hear from anyone living in St Andrews and the Tayport/ Newburgh areas, or anyone with a car who is willing to travel.

No qualifications are needed, and any necessary training will be given.

“Castle Befriending Scheme is one of 10 projects being funded by Fife Council and Fife and Social Care Integration,” explained volunteers co-ordinator Lesley Haycock.

“We have volunteers who are happy to spare an hour of their time in order to visit someone who may very rarely, if ever, have anyone visit them in a social capacity.

“We also have a small ‘drop in ‘lounge in Cupar for people over 50 who can call in for a cuppa and a biscuit.

“There is no charge and every opportunity to have a ‘blether’ and to make new friends.

‘‘Some people now come to our lounge that previously never left their homes. They attend at least once a week and some times more. For these people life is changing, getting better and more fulfilling each week.

“Some of the people we visit can no longer get out of their homes. Some people have just forgotten how to socialise.

‘‘They have become socially isolated and cannot find a way to change things for themselves.”

“We are looking for people who have a little time to spare and who enjoy meeting new people.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Castle Befriending Scheme can contact Lesley on 07486 691108.