Befriending service in Sutherland receives £3000 boost from Kilbraur wind farm fund
A Sutherland initiative that helps people feel less lonely, isolated or anxious during the pandemic has been recognised.
The Sutherland Friends Call Befriending Service run by Voluntary Groups Sutherland received £3000 from Kilbraur Wind Farm owner Falck Renewables as part of its annual awards for communities around their wind farms.
Christine Ross from Voluntary Groups Sutherland said: “It’s fantastic to receive recognition like this of our volunteers’ dedication and hard work. Many people are feeling low and isolated as a result of the pandemic and this award from Falck Renewables will allow us to keep the Friends Call Service running over the winter when many people will need it most.
"It is especially poignant to receive this award now as this is Befriending Week across the UK and this year's theme is #BefriendingIs. It's a time to recognise what befrienders do, but at the same time I think it's important to thank the community and the befriendees.”
The Befriending Service was set up in May and has trained, PVG-checked volunteers making befriending telephone calls to people across Sutherland.
Golspie and Rogart Primary Schools also won a prize at Falck Renewables’ awards which were held online. The two schools will receive £1800 to help towards buying more outdoor play equipment to ensure each class can have its own dedicated play equipment, reducing any risk of infection.
Local students have also been provided with support for their studies by Falck Renewables with UHI student Joanna O’Driscoll from Brora and Embo’s Tom Adamson who is studying at Imperial College London, both receiving grants.
Anyone who would like to receive calls from the Befriending Service can call Voluntary Groups Sutherland on 01408 633001.
