Monday November 3rd 2025
Midlothian Community Action shop, Dalkeith
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A simple conversation can save a life – and this Befriending Week, Midlothian Community Action (MCA) is celebrating the volunteers who make those life-changing connections possible across Midlothian.
Befriending Week is an annual campaign, during the first week of November, to celebrate befriending and highlight the positive impact it has on individuals and communities.
Befriending is a relationship that organisations like MCA support that enable meaningful
connections. The Connect Befriending project aims to brighten older peoples’ days, help them build their confidence and reconnect with their community.
The Connect Befrienders are supported to help their matches through ongoing training, access to resources, and regular meetings to discuss the match with the project lead. Connect Befriending believes that providing support and opportunities for development for volunteers helps them to create trust and meaningful relationships with the older people they are matched with.
Sam Dyce, Connect Befriending Coordinator, said:
“We know how incredibly impactful a befriender can be for isolated older people. It’s a real privilege to provide a service that not only helps people get the enjoyment of meeting new people, but where we can help volunteers develop as they support their community.”
The project would not be possible without collaboration and support from the British Red Cross.
The British Red Cross provides referrals to the Connect Befriending project through their Local Area Coordinator as part of their initiative to reduce isolation and loneliness, by connecting older people to their communities and empowering them to live more independently in their own homes.
Older people, matched with volunteers, are visited once a week and supported to develop connections with the community. This can be done by accompanying them to activities in their area, going for walks to build up their confidence, or enjoying a chat in the comfort of their own home. A connection for two hours a week does not just reduce people’s isolation and loneliness but can help them find the tools they are comfortable with to stay connected and healthy.
Connect Berfriending volunteer, Martin, explained:
“You can see a real difference in people lives. A positive difference. 2-3 hours may not seem like a lot of time. but to some people this can be something of a highlight in the week.”
This week provides an opportunity to say a massive thank you to all those who brighten people’s days by befriending and the people who let them into their lives. This year, Midlothian Community Action will be sharing stories from volunteers, reasons why Midlothian needs befrienders, and the impact YOU could have as a volunteer.
Anyone interested in volunteering as a befriender can find out more by visiting Midlothian Community Action’s website or searching the Befriending Networks directory.
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