widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

Community / New telephone befriending service will support those feeling isolated during lockdown

A NEW telephone service has been set up by the Shetland Befriending Scheme to support people who are feeling especially lonely and socially isolated due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The service would see befrienders hold regular phone chats with people to provide some vital human interaction during the lockdown period.

Lynn Tulloch. Photo: Shetland Befriending Scheme

It is also designed for people who have very limited or no support around them.

People can refer themselves to the scheme, or an agency, family member, friend or friend supporting the individual can refer to their behalf if they have consent.

Voluntary Action Shetland’s befriending project co-ordinator Lynn Tulloch said it was a natural progression of the scheme, which – pre-Covid 19 – generally sees volunteers accompany people on activities.

“We have developed the telephone befriending service out of a need that was becoming increasing apparent in the community since the lockdown started,” she said.

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

“Individuals were contacting us and asking if we were able to provide some telephone support to individuals they were concerned about.

“We feel it’s important to continue to provide support to those who are feeling increasingly lonely and socially isolate due to the coronavirus and felt this was a very natural development for our service.”

To find out more, contact Lynn Tulloch on 01595 743907 during office hours or email lynn.tulloch@shetland.org.

Information can also be found on Shetland Befriending Scheme’s website and Facebook page also offers information.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/exchange-53widget/exchange-54widget/pd_widget-8widget/exchange-55widget/pd_widget-9widget/exchange-56

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.