Aberdeenshire befriending group sees surge in volunteers

An Aberdeenshire group which tackles social exclusion by pairing older people with companions has recorded a surge in volunteers.

However, Kincardine and Deeside Befriending is continuing to appeal for more helpers to come forward due to a growing demand for the service in the area.

Five new volunteers have joined the group in recent weeks.

They will receive training before being matched with older people who are lonely or isolated.

Senior coordinator for the service, Brigitte Matthews, said: “We had a fantastic response to our initial appeal, in particular from men, but we still need more befrienders in Banchory, Aboyne, Inverbervie and Laurencekirk because of the number of people waiting there.”

Befrienders are asked to spare a few hours every week or fortnight to visit the person they have been paired with, often taking them out on trips.

Support and expenses are provided by Kincardine and Deeside Befriending.

The next introductory training courses for new volunteers are on Saturday, August 29, and Saturday, September 5.

For more information visit www.kdbefriending.org.uk or call 01569 765714 or 01330 823368.