Breaking Down Borders (and Barriers) with Our Befriending

When an older lady contacted us, reaching out to Glasgow so that she could start a befriending relationship beyond the limits of her home in the north of Scotland, it is unlikely that she envisioned it reaching all the way to Hungary. That is what happened and we are pleased with the results. 

A Psychology student at the University of Glasgow, Zoi, became her befriender but needed to return to her home country during the pandemic. No one could have foreseen this development but, speaking by telephone, their relationship has flourished regardless of the distance. This may have been helped because Zoi volunteered with vulnerable groups during her gap year and is no stranger to what we do at No.1 Befriending. Birthday and Christmas cards have flown across borders just so Mrs X knows she is being thought of and Zoi can’t wait until after Covid, when they will be out and about more and their cultural exchange can grow.

The geographical reach shows that no one will be left behind during No.1’s development to help all groups of vulnerable adults, 18+, who are isolated and lonely. 

Zoi has learned how Mrs X likes to hear her family stories and she enjoys telling her all about the anecdotes and tales from Hungary. She has also helped Mrs X solve problems in her life, such as discovering who a birthday present was sent from by investigating an anagram on it: it was for a charity Mrs X supports. All these little things add up to make a solid and meaningful befriending relationship. We believe that multicultural connections strengthen these ties.  

Taking the time to reflect on her experience during Covid, Zoi says, “I am more sensitive to how cut off people can be… [befriending] is not an option for so many people.” This has led her to dream of 1-2-1 befriending in the future, and makes all of us at No.1 grateful for the service we provide.