Strathcarron Hospice’s Compassionate Communities team is offering telephone befriending to anyone who is feeling lonely or isolated, or who could benefit from a regular chat with the same person around once a week.

The Community Advice and Listening Line (CALL) is open to all members of the community who would like to talk to a friendly volunteer, perhaps about their experience of shielding and isolating, or about caring for someone else. There is no need to have a connection with the hospice to call.

CALL volunteers are available 7 days a week, 9am – 7pm, by phone: 01324 827383.

The team aim to ensure people who call are matched with someone who lives close by, where possible.

With lockdown restrictions easing, it may be that a visit from a volunteer in the garden would be an option going forward; however, this would be at the discretion of both parties.

Referrals (or self-referrals) can be made by calling the dedicated CALL phone line: 01324 827 383, or by email: fv.compassionatecommunities@nhs.scot

The Compassionate Communities team has also published an activity pack and a booklet providing inspiration of ways to connect with your neighbours. Both are available in hard copy by calling the number about, or electronic versions are available to view or download on the Strathcarron Hospice website:

Additionally, there is also the “Connecting With Your Neighbours” booklet, available to view or download, or read as a text-only version, on the Volunteer Falkirk website.