Doreen Graham explains how important local befriending services are to tackling loneliness and improving people's health
What is as damaging to health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day, increases the risk of high blood pressure and obesity, increases the likelihood of suffering from depression and can shorten our lives?
The answer doesn't come with a long Latin name, it is as simple as its effects are complex; it is loneliness.
In Scotland, there's a focus on loneliness because the Scottish Government just just released its report on Age and Social Isolation. This is perfect timing for National Befriending Week, 1-7 November, which sees organisations and individuals are celebrate the benefits of friendships and social interaction.
At Health in Mind, our staff and volunteers deliver six different befriending services. These are delivered on a one-to-one basis, in small, friendly groups, by telephone or by signposting to local amenities and activities. I know from the teams that loneliness can affect anyone regardless of their age, where they live or how affluent they are.
A divorce, the death of a partner, being made redundant, putting on weight, retiring, having physical and mental ill health, moving to a new area, being from an ethnic minority or experiencing a fall can all impact on confidence and make it all too easy for friendships and interests to disappear.
However, it doesn't take a lot to change lives. People using our services tell us the difference they have made to their lives, and we couldn't do what we do without our wonderful volunteers. One person told us "Where do you get your volunteers? They’re amazing."
Another said: “I've got so much from having a befriender. Now that I’m doing so well I’m really keen to give something back and volunteer myself.”
If you feel that you or someone you care about would benefit from one of our befriending services, check them out on our website or give us a call.
During National Befriending Week you might consider how you could get involved. If you have a few hours to spare each week, why not become a volunteer befriender? We provide free training and support for all our volunteers.
Alternatively, why not come along to our fun speed friending event on Wednesday 4 November at Starbucks in Shandwick Place, 5.30 until 7.30pm. The event has been organised by some of our brilliant volunteers who've told me it's like speed dating without the rejection! It's going to be a great night for meeting new people.
Finally, show your appreciation for all befrienders and their work towards beating loneliness, with one click of your mouse. An online befriending Thunderclap will be kick off on 6 November at 12 noon.
By taking part all your social media contacts will receive the Thunderclap at the same time, which means they will see a message about what befriending is and why we need it.
Together, we can make a difference and help people to live the lives they want to live.
Doreen Graham is communications manager at Health in Mind. You can follow Health in Mind on Facebook and Twitter.
