ScotsCare
Blether Buddy Befriending ServiceAbout ScotsCare
We are a modern 21st century organisation with a 420-year-old history of helping Scots, and the children of Scots in and around London. We offer support through grants and help with housing, health, drugs and alcohol, counselling, debt, advocacy and social isolation. We also offer support for homeless and insecurely housed Scots, run regular social events and activities, so Scots can come together and enjoy life in London a bit more, and our Blether Buddy befriending service which aims to reduce isolation, loneliness, and to offer support during difficult times.
Our services are available to 1st and 2nd generation Scots, their spouses and civil partners, widows and widowers, living or found within 35 miles of Charing Cross in central London.
England, EC1Y 2AJ
Service Eligibility
Our befriending service works with older people who meet our eligibility criteria i.e. 1st or 2nd generation Scots living in London, and feel alone, socially isolated or need someone to accompany them on outings in their community; going for walks, having a chat in a local cafe or, visiting places of interest together. To request a Blether Buddy, clients must be able to:
commit to a regular meeting or phone call
engage in friendly conversation
form a rewarding relationship with a ScotsCare volunteer
Because the training we provide to our volunteers is limited, we are unable to work with clients who have an unmanaged mental health condition, or a drug or alcohol dependency. We accept self, agency and family referrals. Please contact us to request a form.
Information for Volunteers
Blether Buddies provide a weekly phone call or an in person meeting, in our clients home or their local community. The main aims of our service are to help reduce isolation and loneliness through companionship and friendly conversation. We provide training, ongoing support, out of pocket expenses, social events, newsletters and more. We also hold regular meetings so befrienders can come together and share experiences, learn from, and support one another.
ScotsCare is a nice charity to be involved in and our volunteers tend to stay with us for the longer term. If you want to be involved in an enjoyable and rewarding activity and one that could really make a difference to someone’s emotional well-being, we would love to hear from you.
Age Groups
Adults (25-65), Older People (65+)Themes
Older PeopleRegions
Country: England
Greater LondonOther Information
Who can refer: Self Referrals Accepted, Friends & Family Referrals Accepted, Professional Referrals Accepted