Some people are house bound or lack confidence. Others may need support to get out and about. Unpaid carers are so busy looking after a loved one that they can rarely get out for sociable activities.
In 2023, Arran Community and Voluntary Service (Arran CVS) reintroduced a befriending service on the island called Blether Buddies to reduce the impact of social isolation. The service is twofold.
One is bringing like-minded people together to forge friendships. They carefully match people, host the introduction and provide support to ensure both parties feel safe and happy. The programme is already seeing success, with one person commenting, “If it wasn’t for my new friend, my weekly walk wouldn’t happen.”
Volunteers have said they want to make new friends and be part of the community, whether having a cup of a tea, going for a walk, joining new activities together or getting involved in island life. Our hope is that friendships will naturally grow, and once Arran CVS step back after six months, they will continue to flourish.
The second part is a new respite service for unpaid carers.
Blether Buddies will provide a carefully matched companion for your loved one so you can get some “Me” time to do whatever you wish, so you can return to your loved one refreshed.
Blether Buddies have some amazing volunteers. They have undertaken training, accreditation by Befriending Networks, PVG checks to work with vulnerable adults and reference checks. The matches so far have been successful, however, uptake has been slow as word gets around.
Arran CVS are keen to share this good news and give unpaid carers a little time for themselves. Please get in touch if you would like to be involved. For more information contact Nan Richards on 01770 600611 or email nan.richards@arrancvs.org.uk
Tasty dishes direct to your door!
Wiltshire Farm Foods is the UKs leading frozen ready meal brand, providing an extensive range of over 330 dishes delivered directly to customers’ doors.
The company prides itself on good old-fashioned service, ensuring customers always hear a friendly voice on the phone and receive regular delivery drivers that go that extra mile by placing meals directly in the freezer.
Wiltshire Farm Foods caters for a variety of appetites and dietary needs, including its award-winning texture modified range for those living with swallowing difficulties. And, with all recipes created by expert chefs and in-house dieticians, you can always be sure of a delicious and nutritionally balanced meal.
With no contract or commitment and always free delivery, you can try the service by visiting wiltshirefarmfoods.com or calling 01294 551734.
Ayrshire eye clinic – helping you see better
One of the most common and curable eye conditions that the majority of the population will develop as we all get older is cataract.
This is a condition where the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. effects of cataracts impact everyday living as they progressively diminish vision, meaning that day-to-day activities such as watching TV, reading a book or driving will become more and more difficult. A simple consultation is all you need to diagnose cataracts and a routine cataract surgery procedure will help you return your vision to its previous level.
Here at Ayrshire Eye Clinic, Scotland’s first and only consultant-owned private eye clinic, our priority is ensuring the best possible visual outcome for each and every patient with cataracts.
Founded by Prof. Sathish Srinivasan, the clinic provides personal, patient- centered, state of the art eye care in a relaxing and welcoming environment. Call us today on 01292 282100 for more information. We are happy to offer a complimentary taxi service from Ardrossan ferry terminal to the clinic.
We also provide treatment for other eye conditions. Please see our website www.ayrshireeyeclinic.com for more details.
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.