Cup of cheer for Befriending Caithness service
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Befriending Caithness has been marking Volunteers' Week by capturing all the words describing the service in a design incorporating a teacup and saucer.
"This is a great opportunity to stop and say thank you to all our wonderful befriending volunteers," senior co-ordinator Angie House said.
The service, delivered by Caithness Voluntary Group, seeks to reduce isolation and loneliness by matching volunteers to older isolated adults.
Angie explained that volunteers were asked to think of words and phrases that best describe befriending. Examples include "enjoyment", "chat", "boost", "friendly", "connection", "community", "interaction", "grateful", "smile", "coming together" and "feel good".
"All the words are encapsulated in this teacup and saucer, which shows their commitment, dedication, enthusiasm, kindness, pro-activeness, thoughtfulness and desire to be part of our community," Angie said.
"A huge thank you from the befriending team and happy Volunteers' Week."
The teacup-and-saucer image is set to become the Caithness Befriending logo, with a launch date yet to be decided.
Angie explained that over the past nine years the number of local volunteers had continued to grow, making a huge difference to the community.
During the coronavirus crisis befriending has made the transition to telephone as face-to-face visits have been suspended for the time being.
"It is going very, very well," Angie said of the telephone service. "We have new volunteers who are being trained.
"People have been encouraged to do different hobbies. The connection has been really good.
"People are telling us how positive it has been – they still feel part of the group. I think it has made a difference."
She explained that the telephone service is something that is likely to be developed further, even as some restrictions are lifted.
Angie said some volunteers had been writing or using FaceTime to continue contact.
A number of other local groups have also been providing telephone services during the lockdown.
Volunteers' Week 2020, which started on Monday, will run until Sunday.
