A new telephone befriending service has been launched by Perth-based charity VisionPK.
The aim of the new service is to link up with people experiencing sight loss or a hearing impairment – and enable them to speak to someone regularly from the comfort of their own home.
Loneliness can be isolating, especially for those with sensory loss. A simple, friendly phone call once a week or fortnight could brighten someone’s whole day – and the charity want to break down barriers and provide support for those affected.
The new VisionPK Befriending Service, being launched during Loneliness Week (9-15 June) has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. It will involve staff and volunteers contacting those who have requested the service from across the population of Perth & Kinross.
Jess Blanche, Community Involvement Coordinator for VisionPK, said: “Through our new befriending service, we’re hoping to reduce the isolation and loneliness that so many people with sensory loss experience. The aim is to improve wellbeing, rebuild confidence, and remind people they’re not alone. Sometimes, having someone to chat to can make all the difference.”
VisionPK is the only sight and hearing loss charity in Perth and Kinross and supports around 3,500 people every year. It aims to support the empowerment of people with hearing or sight loss to take a full and fulfilling role in society
Jess adds: “We know we have service users living in both rural communities and towns who tell us they can go days without talking to someone. We know this new service could be a lifeline for many. Just to have someone to talk to can make a huge difference to people’s lives.”
Bob from Dunning, who is a service user of VisionPK and will benefit from the new service said “”I never hear a squeak from anywhere some days, so it will be quite interesting to have someone to talk to.”
Lorna Bruce, from Perth, has joined VisionPK as a volunteer and will be part of the team delivering the service for residents across the county.
“Living with hearing loss myself has given me a real insight as to how isolating it can be to have sensory loss. That’s why I volunteered to make regular phone calls to others who might be feeling alone. It’s such a simple thing, only an hour a week, but incredibly rewarding. Volunteering with VisionPK gives me the chance to make someone feel heard, and it brings a real sense of connection to me too.”
Those who would like to either volunteer or access the service can contact the team on 01738 626 969 or via info@visionpk.org.uk
To support VisionPK please visit https://visionpk.org.uk/support-us/
