Kirkcaldy companionship charity launches search for new board members

Care and Share Companionship is seeking local people with charity experience to join its board as lockdown restrictions ease and life slowly returns to normal.

The charity, which was launched in 2019, aims to tackle the issue of loneliness among older people in the Kirkcaldy area by providing them with companions who visit them on a regular basis.

Teresa Naylor, founder,said: “We are looking for an experienced chairman as well four board members who all have the drive and commitment to take us forward.

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https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/politics/kirkcaldy-snp-msp-pandemic-recovery-first-and-then-focus-on-independence-3232791

"After a tough year, we are still here, and have secured funding for the next year which has given us some breathing space – however we are still seeking funding for several roles which will include a volunteer coordinator.

"Currently we have 30 volunteers, with a few inactive due to various reasons, supporting 29 isolated people in the Kirkcaldy area.”

During lockdown, due to social distancing rules, the charity has supported its companions with telephone calls, online chats, and help with tasks such as delivering shopping, but is excited to soon be resuming normal operations once again said Teresa.

"We’re excited to be resuming home visits next week,” she said. “We have been supporting our companions as best we can during lockdown, and as restrictions have slowly eased some volunteers and companions have been able to get out for a walk together.

"Almost all of our companions prefer a face-to-face visit rather than over the phone and have sorely missed the company.”

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