10 years volunteering

“I would urge anyone thinking of volunteering to consider becoming a Befriender.”

On retirement, I was keen to find a suitable volunteering role.

Befriending appealed, as I enjoy meeting new people and wished to offer support to older members of the local community. After signing up and training, I was ready for my first “match”. Over the past ten years, I have enjoyed the company of six older gentlemen befriendees. There have been many laughs and much story-swapping along the way. My first befriendee was a very good snooker player and we enjoyed many games at the IQ club in Kirkintilloch. On his passing, I was gifted his snooker cue which I still use today. My amateur magician was great fun. He passed on to me some excellent tricks and ‘magic’ cards, which I now use to entertain my grand-kids. Whenever we met any of his friends or neighbours on our travels, he would introduce me as “my new boyfriend”.

Another of my befriendees was very popular with the men of Kirkintilloch…maybe not so much with the wives, as he was responsible for securing the first pub license in the town. His son was a professional football player who had played against the legendary Pele in U.S.A. From two retired golfers, I heard many stories of their golfing exploits.

My current befriendee is a keen model railway enthusiast. I have learned so much about his hobby on our annual visits to the Model Railway Exhibition at the SECC.

I will soon be taking part in my third sponsored cycle, this time a circular tour of Arran, to raise awareness and funds for our Befriending Service.

The Befriending team have always had the welfare of Befrienders as well as Befriendees at heart. Training courses are always interesting and informative, while social events are always a great success.

For me, befriending is very much a two-way experience…by giving a little of your time, you receive so much in return. Spending time with a befriendee can offer much needed respite to other family members. I would urge anyone thinking of volunteering to consider becoming a Befriender.