History                                                                                   

The idea of a befriending scheme was conceived in 1997 following an assessment of the needs of patients who were being  referred to the day hospitals in Monifieth. This identified that some people fell into the category of being socially isolated to the point that it was detrimental to their health, which suggested that although rehabilitation potential had been met, there were unmet social needs. This was causing increased dependency on social services and the local day hospital. Existing resources in Monifieth - a lunch club in a local church, a church visiting scheme, and a day care facility attached to a local resident home - offering 6 places - were not sufficient to meet these needs.

In Spring 1999 a small working group of interested individuals from Day Hospitals, Social Work Department, Angus Association of Voluntary Organisations and local clergy worked towards a public meeting.  Following the public meeting, a steering group of 10 individuals was set up, representative of the local community, statutory and voluntary sectors.

By December 2000 we had written a constitution, elected a Management Committee and achieved charitable status.  During 2001 the Management Committee submitted grant applications to Awards for All, Lloyds TSB and Unemployed Voluntary Action.  We were successful with all these grant applications.  Awards for All allowed us to purchase IT equipment, and UVAF provided the monies for office furniture, telephone line, stationery and Volunteer Co-ordinator and volunteer out-of-pocket expenses.  Lloyds TSB awarded monies to employ a Volunteer Co-ordinator for 10 hours per week. 

In March 2004 we received 3-year funding from Communities Fund (now Big Lottery),  which allowed us to employ  Volunteer Co-ordinators for 16 hours per week in year 1, 20 hours per week in year 2 and 24 hours per week in year 3.  This enabled us to expand our project in a controlled manner, providing a growing befriending service to socially isolated older people in Monifieth.  We currently have 18 volunteers and 22 clients.  Since inception, we have met the needs of 30 clients.  Our volunteers' ages range from early 30's to early 80's, and the average age of our socially isolated clients tends to be in the high 70's.   Befriending takes place usually in the client’s home, but where appropriate, volunteers also take clients out.

Running of our Project 

We are governed by a Management Team of 8 volunteers, including a service user, and volunteer befrienders.  They have extensive skills and experience, having had involvement with Social Care,  Sheltered Housing, Victim Support, Samaritans and SoundSense Befriending Project.  Business backgrounds include healthcare, administration and local government.  Posts held are Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and Fundraiser.  Monthly team meetings are held, where the Project Co-ordinators report on the progress and day-to-day activities of the project. 

Evidence through evaluation and client reviews confirms that our project is fulfilling its current objectives and meeting a need in Monifieth.  Volunteers, clients and referring agencies are happy with the service we provide, and would like this service to continue.  

Monifieth Befriending Scheme now also offers a befriending service to recently bereaved people of any age living in Monifieth.