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Befriending Service
Many people in Fife are affected by social isolation and loneliness for various reasons, which has a negative impact on their physical and mental health. Volunteer Befrienders can help alleviate these adverse affects by supporting vulnerable adults who are lonely and isolated which helps build stronger social connections and also improves the confidence and well-being for both parties. We recruit, train and match Volunteer Befrienders who provide meaningful social connection with local befriendees. We also provide ongoing support and development and reimburse mileage expenses. The befriending service operates across Central Fife, Levenmouth and North East Fife areas. If you are interested in volunteering or would benefit from the support of a befriender, please contact: Suzanne Forsyth, Coordinator Phone 01592 630253 Email suzanne@crossroadsg.co.uk 
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Suzanne Forsyth - Befriending Coordinator
Laura Parkinson - Support Worker
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Meet Kaye
After losing my husband, Jerry, I was feeling very down, lacked interest in everyday life and had no energy. After seeking advice, I was contacted by Sandie at Fife Forum who suggested volunteering at Crossroads Fife. I contacted Marie, the Befriending Coordinator who guided me through the recruitment procedure, which was easy to navigate, and after an informal, relaxed interview I was offered the role of Volunteer.
The initial training provided by Crossroads Fife was enjoyable, informative and I learned a lot, so I was confident in my role as a Volunteer. Also, anytime I request further training or further information, I am provided with this quickly by the Befriending Coordinator who is extremely approachable. Being a Volunteer has been life changing for me. I now have a purpose in life and my mental health has greatly improved as I now spend two days a week volunteering which means I need to get myself up in the morning, get washed and dressed and out of the door. I volunteer at a befriending group on a Tuesday, and I also provide 1-2-1 befriending with a lady on a Wednesday. This has improved my confidence and well-being immensely. When I decided to volunteer I did it so that not only would it make a difference to other peoples lives, it would also make a difference to my life. I now feel like I have a purpose and have made new friends through volunteering. I enjoy it greatly and I hope to continue volunteering for as long as I can. Being a Befriender by Nancy I’ve been volunteering with Crossroads Fife for several years now and it's become such an important and wonderful part of my life. My befriendee and I have an amazing friendship that we both treasure. I've seen a big improvement in her confidence as well as my own. I've even had the courage to return to part-time work and also continue my befriending! Being a Befriender by Donna I started phone befriending during the Covid pandemic. We enjoyed our weekly phone calls and discovered many shared interests as mature students. When the restrictions lifted, we met for garden visits and explored St Andrews before her University course started. It is very satisfying to see her confidence improve and her anxiety fade and be involved in her journey. I have to say that being a befriender continues to be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience for me. |
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Crossroads Fife, Buko Tower, Dalton Road, Glenrothes, Fife KY6 2SS
Phone 01592 610540 Crossroads Fife is a Charity Registered in Scotland (SC007781) Crossroads Fife is a Company Limited by Guarantee (SC178299) Crossroads Fife is registered with the Care Inspectorate as a Care at Home Service Provider (CS2004079063) - www.careinspectorate.com |