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 and Isolation felt which has adversely affected their mental health and wellbeing.

The TLC Aberdeen Befriending Project matches volunteer befrienders with individuals referred via the Primary Links Practitioners, based in doctor’s surgeries across Aberdeen.

The 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

This project is supported by the Scottish Government Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund, distributed in Aberdeen by ACVO.

Jonny’s story

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Jonny is the Development Manager at TLC and has been involved with the work of the organisation over the years, most recently overseeing TLCs befriending project, established in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. He has witnessed first hand the health and wellbeing benefit of bringing people in communities together. 

With the Aberdeen Befriending Project, Jonny wants to see the resilience of individuals restored and the people they support feel comfortable to engage fully with their community.

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Louise is the Senior Coordinator for the Aberdeen Befriending Project and through her extensive experience working within the City’s third sector, she realises the importance of befriending schemes and the impact they have on wellbeing. 

She likes that the project is accessible for a wide demographic of people and looks forward to seeing the positive changes it will bring. 

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Jennifer’s Story

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Jennifer is the Coordinator for the Aberdeen Befriending Project and, like Louise’s role, hers is a new one for TLC, made possible in part by a grant from the Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund.

Jennifer feels that befriending not only helps the person being supported but also the volunteer providing the service and in facilitating these relationships real meaningful and beneficial connections can be made.

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