News Archive
We will once again be accepting referrals for the service, and will keep you updated of further funding developments
Bute Befrienders - Funding For 2016 and Beyond
22nd August 2016
Bute Befrienders is fully funded for the remainder of 2016, with the generous support of local fundraisers and established funding organisations. Grateful thanks are due to 'For Bute', Christine Harris, Bute Tools, The Rotary Club, Michael Keating, the Bute Family Charitable Trust, Argyll and Bute Council, the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland and many more.
The fundraising required for the continuation of the project beyond 2016 is well under way with around half of the funds required to allow the project to run for the next 3 years confirmed. This funding will allow an increase in the working hours of the Bute Befrienders Outreach Worker enabling us to support a greater number of people.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers, clients and statutory partners for their support over the last few months. It is heartening to witness just how valued our services are.
Funding for Bute Befrienders Confirmed
14th December 2015
We are delighted to announce today that we have now secured sufficient funds for us to continue providing services until at least the end of July 2016. These funds have come from a variety of grant-making bodies and local fundraising and will enable us to await the outcome of other funding applications which will hopefully secure the project for a further year.
We would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the community of Bute for their overwhelming support and the personal efforts of some local fundraisers and businesses who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to help raise funds for Bute Befrienders. Thanks are also due to our statutory partners who have worked so hard to help us ensure that we can continue to provide support to older people across the island.
Bute Befrienders Celebrates Success
3rd October 2015
As Bute Befrienders nears the end of its first year of service our staff, volunteers and clients have been reflecting on a year that has surpassed all expectations!
Since the project went live at the beginning of 2015, Bute Befrienders have received nearly 70 referrals, predominantly from our partners in statutory agencies. At any one time we work with up to 30 older people from across Bute with a wide range of needs. With the help of our team of volunteers we have provided services including; Peer Befriending, 1-2-1 Befriending, Out & About, Dementia Support, Information Outreach and signposting to other organisations. Our monitoring and evaluation has demonstrated the clear benefits from our service, including reduced loneliness and isolation, increased independence and improved health and wellbeing. With our help, older people across Bute are able to live independetly in their own homes with a high quality of life.
Continuation of this lifeline service is dependent on sucessfully attaining grant funding. We hope to be able to announce the outcome of recent funding applications in the near future. If you would like to find out more about any of the work of Bute Befrienders, or how you can get involved as a volunteer, please do contact us.
New Bute Befrienders' Volunteers!
6th March 2015
Bute Befrienders is set to enter its next stage after receiving a fantastic response to our call for volunteers! This Friday, 29th May, we are hosting our first Induction Training day for volunteers at the Moat Centre in Rothesay, marking the final stage of the application process for our budding Bute Befrienders! As well as receiving a comprehensive introduction in to all aspects of befriending and working with vulnerable adults, our new volunteers will have the opportunity to find out more about the range of volunteering roles that we have available within the project.
Our incredible volunteers will soon be supporting all aspects of the service, from 1-2-1 Befriending to assisting with group activities, transport and even fund-raising.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering with Bute Befrienders or to download an application form, visit our volunteering page.
6th March 2015
Bute Befrienders are looking for volunteers to support our services. We have roles to suit all, and full training and support will be provided, as well as reimbursement of all out-of-pocket expenses.
Come along to the Volunteer 4 Bute event in the Moat Centre, Rothesay, on Monday 13th April to find out more. There will be representatives from a huge range of charities and community groups on Bute and the chance to learn why volunteers have been proven to be happier than non-volunteers!
7th January 2015
Bute Befrienders have now commenced client activities. Throughout December we have been meeting our new clients and carrying out assessments to determine the most appropriate service for individuals. These services are now all up and running.
If you would like to make a referral to Bute Befrienders, please do get in touch. We are also still looking for volunteers to help support our service. There are a variety of volunteer roles to choose from, including 1-2-1 Befriending, assisting with Peer Befriending activities, drivers and even fundraisers. Whatever your skills or experience, we would love to hear from you..
5th November 2014
We are delighted to announce that we have appointed Pieter Van der Werf as our new Outreach Worker for Bute Befrienders.
Pieter brings with him considerable experience of working with community projects and is sure to become a familiar face on the island in the coming months.
We welcome Pieter, and wish him all the best in his new role.
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1st October 2014
Bute Elderly Befrienders was officially launched today at an event held at the Moat Centre, Rothesay. Although an Outreach Worker is yet to be recruited for the new project, the event was a chance for both professionals and members of the public to come along and find out more about this exciting new service on the island.
Duncan MacLeod, Project Co-ordinator of the new service commented, "It was wonderful to see so many people here today. We are now officially open for referrals, and we will be appointing our Outreach Worker in the near future. My thanks go out to the positive reception that we have experienced today".
Read more about the event on the Buteman website.