Help available for Highlanders with cystic fibrosis
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A new befriending service for people affected by cystic fibrosis in the North of Scotland has been launched.
The initiative has been developed in response to feedback from those who have received support from The Leanne Fund.
The fund is now recruiting befrienders to provide this service throughout the Highlands and Islands and Grampian.
Chrisetta Mitchell, Development Manager for The Leanne Fund said: "We are delighted to launch our new befriending service, ‘Befriending with The Leanne Fund,’ offering vital emotional support to individuals, helping them to gain confidence, increase self-esteem and get out and about in their community.
"Our service will match each applicant (befriendee) with a volunteer befriender who will visit or meet up weekly for at least six months to provide some company and, in some cases, assistance with accessing particular interest groups or sources of support.
"We are pleased to be in a position to launch this new initiative which will add a further new service to benefit those affected by cystic fibrosis. It is well documented that increased social support reduces depression, increases self-esteem and therefore improves quality of life. We hope our service will be well used and look forward to receiving referrals and enquiries from potential volunteers."
In addition, the new service will include telephone and Skype befriending as some individuals with cystic fibrosis may want to talk to others affected by the illness.
The fund is looking for "friendly, positive and upbeat volunteers to join our team."
No experience is necessary as full training will be provided.
The Leanne Fund was set up in 2009 in memory of Leanne Mitchell from the Isle of Lewis.
The charity funds special treats and a range of support services for young people affected by cystic fibrosis and their families across the region.
For more information visit: www.theleannefund.co.uk, email: info@theleannefund.co.uk or call 01851 702020
