Sight loss charity appeals for volunteer befrienders
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SIGHT Scotland, Scotland’s largest sight loss organisation, is appealing for more volunteer befrienders to help battle loneliness and isolation.
The charity says that a regular visit to a vulnerable person can be life changing.
A volunteer befriender is someone who provides trained support and companionship to a lonely, or emotionally distressed, person. Befriending is proven to battle seclusion and self-isolation while increasing self-esteem and confidence.
James Whyte, Volunteer Development Manager for Sight Scotland, said: “Befriending is often transformational to a person with sight loss and can open a whole new world to someone who lives alone.
"We are currently looking for more volunteers who are willing to give up their time to help others. Just doing the simplest things like having a coffee and a chat can make such a difference to someone who is isolated and lonely.
"A regular visit can be quite literally life changing.”
Anyone interested in becoming a Sight Scotland Befriender or finding out about the many other ways people can volunteer with the charity, please visit sightscotland.org.uk/volunteer. Alternatively, contact James Whyter at james.whyte@sightscotland.org.uk or call (0131) 446 3154.
