When I moved back to Scotland I knew that I wanted to continue volunteering and my aim was to become a befriender. South Queensferry is a bigger town than you realise at first glance, but it really does have that community feel. When I first approached QCCC I immediately felt welcome and a part of the community. It was such a boost to know that I could really help someone in the Ferry by simply giving them a little of my time. I look forward to every meeting and when I leave I have the biggest smile! I visited the Haven recently just to see what the crack was in day care, it's a busy wee place with volunteers rallying round, and the ladies and gents having a good natter, something to eat and some light exercising With the growing ageing population I hope more people will want to give an hour every fortnight, or every week, to do what I have found such pleasure and reward in.

What I enjoy most about my role as a befriender is just being a mate to my befriendee, I love listening to all the old tales of good and bad times from the past, sometimes it may be as simple as going for a walk with them or just a wee cup of tea and a chat, looking at photos new and old can be very rewarding for my befriendee and for me, and of course talking about the rivalry between the two footie teams in Edinburgh!