The Befriending Service in East Dunbartonshire is a service very close to my heart as it provides much needed support to adults who are socially isolated due to age, ill-health or bereavement. Dedicated volunteers visit their Befriendees on a weekly basis and either take them out in the local community, or for those who are housebound, just lend an ear for an hour or two. In some circumstances, the volunteer will be the only person the Befriendee sees for the whole week so the volunteers really are a lifeline to those isolated. One Befriendee said that "she's has made a huge difference to my life since my husband of 60 years passed away and she has helped me more than I can say"

Every year the Service also takes the Befriendess away for the day, this year they are going to Loch Katrine for a sail on the Lady of the Loch, followed by a high tea in Callander. At Christmas time, knowing how lonely the festive period can be, there is a Christmas lunch and all the volunteers and Befriendees get together and have a knees up.

Climbing Ben Lomond, given my fitness levels, may prove to be a challenge, however all the tears, sweat and pain will be worth it to see the smiles on the faces of the Befriendees at their Christmas Lunch this year!

Please give generously as social isolation may affect any one of us in our old age!