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Let's make sure nobody feels lonely or isolated in Dumfries and Galloway

A Listening Ear offers volunteer-led befriending to people experiencing loneliness and isolation, helping them to feel socially connected in a positive way.

Making a difference

Most of us need other people in our lives for our emotional wellbeing, support and to feel connected with the community we live in. For somsone who has become isolated as a result of ill-health, disability or social disadvantage, having contact with a befriender can make a huge and positive difference.

A Listening Ear is a volunteer-led befriending service set up to tackle loneliness and isolation across Dumfries and Galloway. Established in 2020 as an immediate response to the impact of Covid-19 restrictions, we soon recognised that there hidden isolation had existed in our communities long before the pandemic, not least amongst older people, carers, and those with long-term physical and mental health conditions.

Our trained volunteers provide high-quality befriending and signposting services on issues such as health, housing, and benefits with referrals to other appropriate agencies when required. Most of all, our volunteers provide a listening ear to anyone who simply needs someone to talk with, providing emotional support over the phone and online. We are now extending our project to include face-to-face meetings individually, socially and in care homes.

We believe in community: no-one should feel isolated or lonely, and our service is open to anyone aged 18 or over. If you feel that you or someone you know could benefit from our service, or if you would like to find out more, then contact us today.

“I really welcome the phone calls. I enjoy our chats. I know that ALE can’t answer all my concerns, but it’s just good to have someone to talk to about them. I thought the afternoon tea meeting at the North West Castle was fantastic and good fun. I really enjoyed meeting other people as I don’t get to meet others much. I like helping Margie with the quizzes for the ALE Zoom nights. And it was nice to get a thank you letter back. I know my volunteer is not able to help directly with problems, but it helps me to talk about them and get ideas about what to do.”