A new befriending service has been launched to tackle isolation caused by Covid-19.
Individuals shielding and self-isolating from the Covid-19 virus have been forced to stay separated from their family and friends for weeks, impacting people’s mental health.
Now residents in the Western Isles can benefit from a phone befriending service launched by The Point and Sandwick Trust.
A total of 12 befrienders have now joined the cause including four directors of Point and Sandwick Trust – chairman Norman Mackenzie and board members Rhoda Mackenzie, Sonja Macleod and Catherine Anne Smith – and some local volunteers.
The project is being delivered in collaboration with the Point and Sandwick Community Council.
Donald John MacSween, general manager of Point and Sandwick Trust, said: “Although we live in a close-knit community we are aware that some people are very lonely and isolated, not just during the current pandemic, but also throughout the rest of the year because of poor health, age, social circumstances, lack of transport, family on the mainland and a host of other reasons.
“The aim of the project is to develop a light-touch befriending service to try to alleviate those issues of isolation and loneliness.”
Meanwhile The Scottish Recovery Network (SRN) has also relaunched a multi-lingual project called Highland Hello, designed to help individuals recognise that simple gestures can help people feel more connected.
Holly Hendry from from SRN said: “We often live in communities where we don’t necessarily know our neighbours, we don’t necessarily live around our family or support networks.
“The hope is to bring a small bit of the outside world in, sharing hope through these uncertain times we are all experiencing.”
