LOCAL befriending charity Visiting Friends was delighted to finally hold their first coffee morning since lockdown last year.

The Friends met last week in the newly refurbished Helensburgh Community Hub and were treated to a lovely tea box of goodies catered by the local Artist Patisserie. They also had a chance to browse the great selection of bargain books, CDs and jigsaws for sale in the Hub.

The charity’s manager, Jayne Burnett, said: “Lockdown has meant our Visiting Friends have mainly had to do a combination of telephoning and garden visits this past year, so it’s absolutely wonderful to see so many of the friends back out and enjoying themselves safely, now that restrictions have been lifted once again.

“We know that everyone is cautious about going back out and returning to life before lockdown, but it’s so important to try and get back out and pick up some of our old routines now that Scotland has moved out of the levels system and it’s safe to do so.”

The Friends were asked to write on the (disposable!) table cloths about how they felt getting back out again - and the comments made clear how much they’ve missed socialising with friends and are more than ready to get back out there.

Jayne continued: “Lockdown and social distancing restrictions have been hard on a lot of people in terms of feeling lonely – and that’s nothing to be ashamed of.

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“We are biologically wired for social contact, and loneliness is just a sign that we need more!

“We’ve also noticed that people, of all ages, have lost a bit of confidence in themselves.

“Sometimes all it takes is a wee bit of company and a helping hand to get that back.

“That’s why volunteering as a befriender is such a good idea. It’s a two-way thing – not only does it help the person who might be needing company, it’s also a great way for the volunteer to meet new friends, build confidence and become more connected to their community.”

Visiting Friends is always looking for volunteers over 18 who can spare a couple of hours or an afternoon or morning once a week.

They provide training and ongoing support to make sure you are safe and happy in your role. To find out more, get in touch today for a friendly, no obligation chat on 01436 269336 or email jayne@visitingfriends.org.