Two events and two new staff: A Monday like no other!
Last Monday 6th June saw us hold two events, an open day and a volunteer celebration, as well as welcoming two new staff members! The day was a big return to in person events following a shift to online events, with our Befriending Open Day taking place at Elderpark Housing Association and our volunteer celebration at our office in central Glasgow.
We were delighted to welcome five residents of Govan through the doors of Elderpark Housing Association during the day to share tea, cakes and conversation. Four attendees started the process to sign up for befriending, all saying they’d like to get more socially connected.
In the evening, we hosted a small in person celebration for our volunteers. Games, snacks and music were enjoyed by all, as well as the first ‘teapots’ of thought and thanks added to our new ‘Volunteer Wall’.
The day was a great chance for new starters, Meg and Hannah, to meet befriendees and befrienders and see how important No 1. is to all of them. Hannah McMillan is our new Volunteer Coordinator and will be mostly working with Elderpark residents.
Hannah said of the day:
“Attending two events on my first day with the organisation was like no first day I have ever had! It was a great way to kick off my time at The No.1 Befriending Agency seeing and speaking with service users, volunteers and other connections and getting a deeper understanding of what we do for the community. I look forward to getting to know more people and have a positive impact on those who we connect with.”
L:R Hannah (Vol Coordinator), Meg (Outreach worker), Catherine (Volunteer Coordinator)
Meg Stuart has started as our Participation and Inclusion Outreach Worker for our new Heritage Project. Meg said of the day: “Meeting potential befriendees and volunteer befrienders in one day was great, like seeing a closed loop of social connection. You really saw the impact the service has for both people in terms of friendship and a sense of purpose and belonging, and I’m excited to see the same impacts for the new Heritage Project.”
If you’re interested in volunteering with us, whether that be as a telephone befriender, a fundraising researcher or digital champion, you can get in touch with Hannah at hannah@befriend.org.uk or 07375832256.
We’ll be launching our new Heritage Project soon, but in the meantime you can contact Meg on meg@befriend.org.uk or 07375832558 to find out more about how you can get involved.
