Dumfries and Galloway’s Celebration of Friendship
Inspired by the United Nations International Day of Friendship on the 30th July and in recognition of the importance of friendship and kindness in our daily lives, a local befriending charity has this week announced plans to launch a Celebration of Friendship in Dumfries and Galloway.
Running from Monday 28th July 2025, the D&G Celebration of Friendship will be a week-long celebration bringing people together to enjoy coffee, cake and conversations, with inspiring tales of kindness and friendship that the charity hopes will help spark new friendships and be the catalyst for ongoing acts of kindness in Dumfries and Galloway.
The initiative, organised by A Listening Ear is designed to encourage everyone to acknowledge those who have been there for them in their time of need, but more importantly to consider how they could change lives through small acts of kindness and friendship.
Penny Halliday, Chair of A Listening Ear and the driving force behind the project said: "We all need friends in our lives, and at some times more than others. Some of us can recall occasions when our friends really stepped up to help us through a difficult time or situation, but knowing you have a friend on a day-to-day basis is equally important.
As a charity run by a fantastic team of staff, trustees and volunteer befrienders, we reach out to those who need a friend, whether a regular call from a telephone befriender, someone to go for a walk with, a friendly face to visit them in a care home or somewhere to go and meet for a coffee. These small acts of kindness make a big difference and it’s rewarding too.”
With a growing demand for adult befriending services in the region, A Listening Ear is gradually extending their reach and making friends with new service users, volunteer befrienders and stakeholders throughout Dumfries and Galloway.
As part of A Listening Ear’s commitment to host the celebration in 2025 they will be holding what they call ‘Friendly Cup’ sessions for the public in North West Castle in Stranraer on 29th July and in The Usual Place in Dumfries on 30th July. They will also host private Friendly Cup sessions in Care Homes in Newton Stewart, Castle Douglas and Annan and they will commit to calling their ‘Phone Friends’ during that week. They are also encouraging others to host their own Friendly Cup events in cafes, community venues, workplaces and care homes and/or inviting them to perform some other act of kindness.
Penny added: “Hosting the D&G Celebration of Friendship this year is an opportunity to celebrate the friendships we have formed, but more importantly to reach out to everyone in Dumfries and Galloway; those who have friendships to celebrate, those who want to become a volunteer befriender, those who want to access our befriending services and those who know someone who might benefit from an introduction to A Listening Ear. Everyone is invited to get involved in the D&G Celebration of Friendship and we hope it will have a positive impact in communities across the region.”
With various ways to get involved, Penny said: “We encourage anyone who would like to come along to one of our Friendly Cup events in Stranraer or Dumfries to register online. Alternatively, we would love to see organisations, clubs and individuals hosting their own ‘Friendly Cup’ gatherings throughout the week too. There are many other ways to get involved including a simple act of kindness that will brighten someone’s day. This could be sending a card, calling a friend, inviting someone to go for a coffee or a walk - the opportunities are endless. If nothing else, we would encourage others to consider referring themselves or others to our befriending service or to register as a volunteer befriender – once trained, this could mean committing to as little as one telephone call or catch-up per week. These small acts of kindness can make a big difference to others.”
In the lead up to the first D&G Celebration of Friendship in July, the team at A Listening Ear are also delighted to launch the Liz Arkless Award for Friendship.
Penny said: “Liz Arkless was a stalwart in the local community in Wigtownshire until she passed away. We know she would have been a great ambassador of A Listening Ear - she was always there when local people needed a friend. She just wanted to help people. Liz’s family would like to pay tribute to her selfless commitment to others by donating two Liz Arkless awards on 2025. These awards will be presented during the D&G Celebration of Friendship events in Stranraer and Dumfries at the end of July. Members of the public are invited to nominate someone who has performed an outstanding or life changing act of kindness/friendship and who they believe is worthy of a Liz Arkless Award for Friendship. We are grateful to the Arkless family for this kind tribute and for their ongoing support.”
The charity hopes that individuals, organisations and communities will continue to be ambassadors for friendship well after the D&G Celebration of Friendship, and as such is keen to encourage everyone to make a pledge during week to commit to an ongoing or future act of kindness or friendship. Friendship Jars will be available at events for anyone who would like to place an anonymous pledge in the jar. Jars could also be set up at home, in workplaces or in communities, cafes and other venues as a constant reminder to be kind and to value friendship.
Anyone who would like to get involved in the D&G Celebration of Friendship can find out more and register online. Events are free to attend, but registration in advance is essential, and donations to A Listening Ear will be most welcome on the day.
How to get involved in D&G Celebration of Friendship:
NOMINATE - Liz Arkless Award for Friendship: Submit a nomination for someone who has performed the ultimate act of friendship and that you think is truly deserving of a Liz Arkless Award for Friendship. It is free to enter. Nominations must
be submitted online by someone over the age of 18 years by 30th June 2025. See website for details.
ATTEND - Tuesday 29th July (2pm - 4pm): Join A Listening Ear at North West Castle in Stranraer for a ‘Friendly Cup’ and inspiring tales of friendship. The first Liz Arkless Awards for Friendship will also be presented at this event. Speakers will include; Romano Pertucci MBE, Chair of Stranraer Development Trust, Anne Barclay MBE, Operational Director, Wigtown Festival Company and Pat McEarlean, Wander with Mac and founder trustee of A Listening Ear. Register online at https://a-listening-ear.org/ by 20th July 2025 and please advise of any dietary requirements. Open to anyone who has an interest in finding out more about A Listening Ear and adult befriending services in Dumfries & Galloway.
ATTEND - Wednesday 30th July (2pm - 4pm): Join A Listening Ear at The Usual Place in Dumfries for a ‘Friendly Cup’ and inspiring tales of friendship. The second Liz Arkless Awards for Friendship will be presented at this event. Speakers will include local storyteller Kathleen Cronie and Andrea Thompson DL, Editor of Dumfries & Galloway Life. We will also hear from colleagues at The Usual Place. Register online at https://a-listening-ear.org/ by 20th July 2025 and please advise of any dietary requirements. Open to anyone who has an interest in finding out more about A Listening Ear and adult befriending services in Dumfries & Galloway.
HOST YOUR OWN - wc 28th July: Everyone is invited to get involved in the D&G Celebration of Friendship by hosting their own Friendly Cup or friendship gathering in their home, workplace, community group or club. Hosts should let A Listening Ear know about their plans if they would like to be added to the list of supporters. Register as a host online at https://a-listening-ear.org/ by 20th July 2025. Hosts are also invited to post details and/or photo(s) of their event on A Listening Ear’s social media channels during the week.
PERFORM AN ACT OF KINDNESS - wc. 28th July: Anyone can get involved in the D&G Celebration of Friendship by performing a simple act of kindness such as sending a card, making a telephone call, inviting someone to go out for a coffee or a walk. Participants or recipients can let A Listening Ear know if they would like to share details of the act of kindness and they will added to the list of supporters. Register your act of kindness online at https://a-listening-ear.org/ by 20th July 2025. Participants can also post details and/or photo(s) on A Listening Ear’s social media channels during the week.
MAKE A PLEDGE - wc. 28th July: Friendship and kindness must continue well after the D&G Celebration of Friendship and it doesn’t need to be declared publicly, but anyone who would like to make a public, private or anonymous pledge to commit to an act of kindness beyond the D&G Celebration of Friendship, is invited to write down their pledge and pop it into a Friendship Jar (this can be any jar or one of the
jars available during the D&G Celebration of Friendship) and they should strive to commit to this. Examples of pledges made during the week will be anonymised and shared publicly to inspire others. Ideas might include becoming a volunteer befriender, visiting a neighbour more often, arranging a social gathering of friends or colleagues, introducing someone to befriending services, making more regular calls to friends or family or visiting a friend in a care home.
BEFRIENDING SERVICE IN DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
Due to the success of their local befriending services in Wigtownshire, A Listening Ear has gradually expanded their service across Dumfries and Galloway. A stakeholder event was recently held in Dumfries to raise awareness of the charity and to ensure those most in need can benefit from the befriending services on offer.
The Wigtownshire based charity, established in 2020 in response to the Covid pandemic, has gradually seen an increase in demand for their befriending services, which has resulted in a growing team, additional services and, now, regionwide provision.
What started out as a telephone befriending service, with a small number of volunteers calling friends and neighbours during the pandemic, now has a team of six, plus five trustees and 44 volunteers offering telephone befriending, in-person befriending in care homes, cafes and other public places and, more recently, an end-of-life companionship service across Dumfries and Galloway.
Penny Halliday, founder and chair of A Listening Ear said:
“We are delighted to be able to build on our success in the west of the region and to offer a regionwide befriending service for adults, but like all charities and organisations, we rely on having a reliable network of ambassadors and volunteers; those who let people know about our services, those who refer people to us and, of course, the volunteers on the ground who, once trained, offer friendship across Dumfries and Galloway.
I am very proud of what we have achieved so far, and grateful to Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway and the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our service and enabling us to extend our reach across the region.
We now need to make sure those who might benefit from our service know about us, feel able to get in touch with us directly or via one of our partner organisations.
We know there is demand, we know we make a difference, and we know that there are people out there who would make wonderful volunteers, and benefit from the experience too. We desperately need more volunteers to help make sure no one feels lonely or isolated in Dumfries and Galloway.”
At the stakeholder event held at The Bridge in Dumfries on the 12th March, Susan Ribbens, Project Manager from A Listening Ear formally welcomed and thanked Mrs Brewis, Lord Lieutenant of Wigtown, for agreeing to become the Patron of A Listening Ear and paid tribute to all the staff and volunteers who support the work of the charity. As part of her presentation Susan also appealed for new volunteers. She said:
“Volunteering can range from making a call to someone once a week to facilitating regular group sessions in a local café. We encourage people who are able to come out for a coffee and a chat to come to our Friendly Cup sessions, as they are increasingly popular. We also have volunteers who provide one-to-one or group befriending in care homes, this is invaluable for residents and their families, as well as the staff. For others, it is about getting out of the house and going for a walk, a coffee or taking part in a shared activity, or for those unable to leave home, a simple telephone or video call can make a huge difference.
We also offer an end-of-life companionship service called No One Dies Alone (NODA), and our specially trained volunteers are there for people who need a companion at the end of their life.
All our volunteers are trained and supported, so if you think you can offer an hour a week or more to volunteer, or you know someone who can, please get in touch and we will put you in contact with our Volunteer Co-ordinator in your part of the region to find out more. It’s such a rewarding role, and we need you more than ever, so please consider getting involved if you can.”
Around 40 people attended the stakeholder event in Dumfries to find out more about the service and how they as individuals, or their organisations, can support the work of A Listening Ear. A Friendly Cup session hosted as part of the event resulted in some great ideas and an enthusiasm to support the service going forward.
GET IN TOUCH
Get in touch with A Listening Ear if you are looking for friendship, know others who could benefit from their services or to find out more about volunteering or supporting befriending services for adults in Dumfries and Galloway. Alternatively, look out for more info about their Volunteer Recruitment Days due to take place.
Next up:
A LISTENING EAR: VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT SESSION: A Drop-in Information Session will take place between 10.30am – 1pm on Wednesday 14th May at The Bridge in Dumfries. Come along to find out more or to sign-up as a volunteer.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FRIENDSHIP
A Listening Ear is also looking for individuals, venues and organisations from across the region to get involved in the UN International Day of Friendship on the 30th July. Anyone who can host or support a Friendly Cup session or group activity in a café, town hall, workplace or any other public place that day (or week) is encouraged to get in touch. Look out for more info coming soon.
T: 07466 867 570, E: hello@listening-ear.org W: www.a-listening-ear.org
PHOTOS:
Photo: PROMOTING BEFRIENDING SERVICES IN DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY: Left to right: Susan Ribbens (Project Manager), Pat McErlean (Trustee), Lynda Thompson (Volunteer), Mrs Brewis (Lord Lieutenant of Wigtown and Patron of A Listening Ear), Jenny Moses (Volunteer Co-ordinator), Joanne Taplin (Volunteer Co-ordinator), Alison Warrick (Board Secretary) and Caroline Garrett (Volunteer Co-ordinator).
We Are Honoured to Welcome Our New Patron
ALE is proud to announce that Lord Lieutenant Aileen Brewis has officially become our Patron. Her support, compassion, and commitment to community values deeply resonate with ALE’s mission of friendship, kindness, and regional connection.
We are thrilled to share that Mrs Brewis also plans to volunteer with us. Her active involvement will be an incredible asset, and we look forward to welcoming her more fully into the ALE family.
As our Patron, Aileen Brewis will help amplify our voice and values throughout the region, and her example will no doubt inspire others to join our growing volunteer community.
A Huge Thank You to Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway
We are delighted to announce that A Listening Ear has been successful in obtaining funding from TSDG for 2025! This will help us make a bigger difference in our community by:
- Expanding our befriending services to support more people across Dumfries & Galloway.
- Growing the NODA (No-One Dies Alone) Project to reach the eastern part of the region, offering compassionate care at the end of life.
2025 will be an exciting year for A Listening Ear and and we’re really grateful for this support.
Exciting News: A Huge Thank You to
The National Lottery Community Fund!
We are thrilled to announce that A Listening Ear has been successful in obtaining funding from The National Lottery Community Fund for 2025! This incredible support will allow us to expand our services and make an even greater impact in our community.
Thanks to this funding, we will be able to:
- Enhance our current befriending services, ensuring we reach more people in need of support and companionship across Dumfries & Galloway.
- Expand the NODA (No-One Dies Alone) Project into the east of the region, providing compassionate care and presence for those at the end of life.
This funding marks a huge step for our charity, and we could not be more delighted.
Finally, thank you to everyone who plays the National Lottery – your contributions are truly changing lives. Together, we’re building a more connected and caring community.
Stay tuned for updates on these exciting developments, and as always, thank you for your support.
Home | The National Lottery Community Fund
A Listening Ear celebrates Volunteers Week 2023
A Listening Ear celebrated Volunteers Week 2023 at an event in Stranraer Library where the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mr Alex Haswell presented certificates of appreciation to our volunteers as well as those from Fed Up Cafe, Reuse Shop and Versus Arthritis. This event was to thank our volunteers for their time and hard work in making a real difference to our community.
Although many of our volunteers couldn't be there in person, it didn't stop us thinking of each of them and thanking them from afar.
Our thanks go to all who made the event an enjoyable one: the participating charities, Mr Alex Haswell, Stranraer Library and the Fed Up Cafe for providing a delicious buffet lunch.
Trust's voucher gift
Stranraer Development Trust has given A Listening Ear five £50 Morrisons vouchers and five £25 Home Hardware vouchers to buy heated blankets, which help to keep costs down by warming the person not the space. They received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to be able to do this.
A Listening Ear holds Dumfries awareness event
December 2nd, 2022: A community awareness event was held in Dumfries on Friday, December 2nd, 2022 to introduce A Listening Ear to key stakeholders in the east of the region. The event was held at the modern and spacious premises of Dumfries Baptist Church in Georgetown and included representatives from NHS Scotland and Third Sector Dumfries & Galloway.
Donna Adams-Allen, A Listening Ear's Volunteer Co-ordinator, spoke about the beginings of the project two years ago and the rapid progress made towards gaining charity status which is expected to be confirmed later this month.
There is a huge need for the services provided by A Listening Ear and the object of the Dumfries event was to consolidate the project's presence across the east of the region and raise awareness of it's services among potential users and referrers as well as bringing on board additional volunteer befrienders.
As well as the website launch, materials have been produced to allow other organisations to refer potential service users to A Listening Ear. Donna also spoke of the project's delight at having been awarded the Volunteer Friendly Award from Volunteer Scotland, a recognition of the way in which volunteers are and have been supported within the Listening Ear project since its inception in 2020.
This is just one of the number of such events being held across Dumfries and Galloway. The first was in Stranraer and the next will be in Dalbeattie on December 19th, 2020.
The project's branding which included a new logo and colour scheme together with the website was the work of Dalbeattie-based Great-Value-Websites.Com. Peter Jeal of Great Value Websites was also present to officially launch the website to those attending the Dumfries awareness event.
A Listening Ear wins Volunteer Friendly Award
November 27th, 2022: Dumfries & Galloway befriending project, A Listening Ear, has received a Volunteer Friendly Award from Volunteer Scotland. The award recognises a user-friendly quality standard to support, recognise and reward groups that are good at involving their volunteers. The Volunteer Friendly Award submission from A Listening Ear highlights vital work and volunteering.
"The impact that A Listening Ear has/continues to make and how it successfully involves and supports volunteers is particularly impressive given that A Listening Ear was only established in April 2020 as part of the tremendous community and volunteering response to the COVID-19 pandemic," said a Volunteer Scotland spokesperson.
"The work and volunteering at A Listening Ear in addressing loneliness, isolation and supporting people is more important than ever. A Listening Ear has provided a range of relevant and excellent information which evidences well how A Listening Ear meets the strands and practices necessary for achieving the Volunteer Friendly Award.
"This is a great achievement for us as a fledgling organisation and only possible through the amazing contribution and dedication of you all. "
The Volunteer Friendly Award was redeveloped in 2021 by Volunteer Scotland and the TSI Scotland Network. The standard, process and offer have been refreshed and achievable requirements set for each level of your volunteer programme. The new process allows more groups to engage with the Volunteer Friendly Award and be recognised for the work they do.
Volunteer Scotland added: "It is also positive that A Listening Ear has (and continue) to take forward further work and developments highlighted as part of the Volunteer Friendly Award quality assurance to enhance, recognise and improve volunteers experience and involvement even further. This shows commitment to volunteers and further developing/sustaining best practice. The great support from Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway with this adds to the quality of the submission and bodes very well for the future of volunteering at A Listening Ear.
"Many essential services in Scotland’s communities are enhanced by volunteers. The Scottish Government recognises that volunteering matters and it’s all about new experiences, feeling good and making a difference. It’s never been more important for groups to be able to show how good they are at involving and managing their volunteers. We believe regardless of your group or organisation size or set up you should be rewarded and recognised for the difference your volunteer programme makes."
"The Volunteer Friendly Award submission from A Listening Ear highlights vital work and volunteering.
"The impact that A Listening Ear has/continues to make and how it successfully involves and supports volunteers is particularly impressive given that A Listening Ear was only established in April 2020 as part of the tremendous community and volunteering response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The work and volunteering at A Listening Ear in addressing loneliness, isolation and supporting people is more important than ever.
"A Listening Ear has provided a range of relevant and excellent information which evidences well how A Listening Ear meets the strands and practices necessary for achieving the Volunteer Friendly Award. It is also positive that A Listening Ear has (and continue) to take forward further work and developments highlighted as part of the Volunteer Friendly Award quality assurance to enhance, recognise and improve volunteers experience and involvement even further. This shows commitment to volunteers and further developing/sustaining best practice.
"The great support from Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway with this adds to the quality of the submission and bodes very well for the future of volunteering at A Listening Ear. The Volunteer Case Study supplied/impact ‘Volunteer A’ has made is marvellous, inspiring and shows the real difference the volunteers at A Listening Ear are making. Similarly, volunteers feedback in the Volunteer's Voice Survey was extremely helpful and contains great and useful information for the Volunteer Friendly Award and for wider volunteering developments at A Listening Ear. A fantastic submission for the Volunteer Friendly Award.
"I agree with the assessment and recommendation from Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway that A Listening Ear be awarded the Volunteer Friendly Award. I commend the outstanding volunteering at A Listening Ear and the dedication of volunteers. I wish A Listening Ear continued best wishes in the work and volunteering that they do and congratulate everyone at A Listening Ear on the magnificent achievement of the Volunteer Friendly Award."
