Pre-pandemic, there were always people in Aberdeen that have struggled with loneliness and isolation, however, due to the pandemic, we have witnessed a huge increase in people struggling with this crippling issue due to the various lockdowns and fear that the pandemic created, causing a loss of confidence and fear in entering and being part of their local community. For those affected, this has meant a decrease in their community connectedness and resilience, with higher levels of loneliness & Isolation felt which has adversely affected their mental health and wellbeing. Our service matches our volunteer befrienders with individuals referred to us via the Primary Links Practitioners, based in doctor’s surgeries across Aberdeen. Our service aims to act as an early intervention to alleviate the feelings of loneliness and isolation, which has adversely affected an individual’s mental health and wellbeing, by supporting and building individuals' community connectedness and personal resilience, all of which improve individual life outcomes
