A BEFRIENDING service is expanding from Galloway into Dumfriesshire.
A Listening Ear started in Wigtownshire in 2020 in response to the covid pandemic.
And it has gradually seen an increase in demand for its befriending services, which has resulted in a growing team, additional services and, now, region-wide provision.
What started out as a telephone befriending service, with a small number of volunteers calling friends and neighbours during the pandemic, now has a team of six, plus five trustees and 44 volunteers offering telephone befriending, in-person befriending in care homes, cafes and other public places and, more recently, an end-of-life companionship service across Dumfries and Galloway.
Penny Halliday, founder and chair, said: “We are delighted to be able to build on our success in the west of the region and to offer a region-wide befriending service for adults, but like all charities and organisations, we rely on having a reliable network of ambassadors and volunteers; those who let people know about our services, those who refer people to us and, of course, the volunteers on the ground who, once trained, offer friendship across Dumfries and Galloway.
“I am very proud of what we have achieved so far, and grateful to Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway and the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our service and enabling us to extend our reach across the region.”
You can get in touch with A Listening Ear if you are looking for friendship, know others who could benefit from their services or to find out more about volunteering or supporting befriending services for adults in Dumfries and Galloway.
Anyone who can host or support a Friendly Cup session or group activity in a café, town hall, workplace or any other public place that day (or week) is encouraged to get in touch. Look out for more info coming soon. T: 07466 867 570, E: [email protected] W: www.a-listening-ear.org
