"I don’t think people realise the amazing impact Strathcarron volunteers make – we cannot support everyone without their help.”

When our Compassionate Communities volunteer befriender Bill introduced himself to John he realised he

recognised him from somewhere...they soon discovered they had actually met before - 52 years ago when

one of them bought a flat from the other!

Bill said: “We started chatting and I asked if he used to live in a flat in Kingston Road, Kilsyth and he said yes. It was an amazing coincidence - I had actually bought his flat from him 52 years ago!

“Obviously John has changed a bit since then – we both have! Since our friendship we have discovered other links we have as well – it was like it was meant to be us connecting at this time.”

Bill has been volunteering for Strathcarron as a Compassionate Communities befriender for a number of years supporting those within the Hospice community. The two men, both from Kilsyth, were matched together last year with Bill regularly visiting John.

He added: “I have done a variety of volunteering for the hospice including driving and helping with anything else needing done. I really enjoy befriending. It can be quite humbling at times.

“John can be cooped up all day so we like to go out when we can for a couple of hours and get a change of scenery for him. It is nice to be able to share stories and company. John has had some amazing life experiences and travelled widely so it is great to hear about that.”

Strathcarron Hospice 

John, an army veteran who is a regular Strathcarron donor and has fundraised for the Hospice, is also currently receiving palliative care support from our Strathcarron team. John said: “Bill has been a great help and company. It is good to be able to get out the house. It really is much appreciated.

“I like to be able to help the Hospice when I can. I managed to raise £11,500 during COVID by doing a sponsored walk during COVID and donate regularly. I am a great believer that you need to support local charities as you never know when you will need their help.”

Laura Neill, Strathcarron Community Link Worker for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, said: “It really is wonderful that John and Bill have connected after all this time – they met in John’s living room 52 years ago and then have met again in his living room – just a different location!

“Loneliness and isolation is such a massive issue for people and can have a huge impact on someone’s life. Even if it’s reaching out to someone once a week for a telephone call, the impact these volunteers make throughout the community is so important. I don’t think people realise the amazing impact Strathcarron volunteers make – we cannot support everyone without their help.”

Strathcarron Compassionate Neighbours (befrienders) are volunteers from our local communities who can help people to make connections in a number of different ways. Compassionate Neighbours can also be a telephone befriender.

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If you are interested in joining our fantastic team of volunteers our Volunteer Service Co-ordinator Eileen Ashford on 01324 826222 or e-mail [email protected], or visit Apply for volunteering for further information.

Approximately 80% of the work of the Hospice takes place within the community.

If you would like to support our vital work supporting people within our communities Donate