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Become a Volunteer
Volunteers play an important role in helping Dòchas Carers Centre support unpaid carers across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands. Whether you can spare a few hours occasionally or volunteer on a more regular basis, your time and skills can make a real difference.
Our volunteers support a range of groups, activities and events, helping to create welcoming spaces where carers can relax, connect with others and access support.
As a volunteer, you might:
- Help at groups, drop-ins and activities
- Support community events and fundraising activities
- Welcome and assist carers attending activities
- Share a skill, hobby or area of interest
- Help create a friendly and supportive atmosphere
Testimonials
Become a Befriender
We are looking for friendly, compassionate and reliable volunteers to join our befriending service. No previous experience is required. The most important qualities are a willingness to listen, an interest in people and a commitment to making a positive difference in your community.
Befriending provides friendship and support to adults who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation. Through regular visits or telephone calls, befrienders offer companionship, conversation and connection, helping people feel valued, supported and less alone.
As a befriender, you will receive training, guidance and ongoing support from our team, as well as the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone's life.
In-Person Befriending
Our in-person befrienders meet individuals in their home or local community, offering companionship and helping them stay connected to the people, places and activities that matter most to them.
Telephone Befriending
Telephone befriending provides regular friendship and support through scheduled phone calls. A simple conversation can reduce feelings of loneliness, provide reassurance and brighten someone's day.
Interested in becoming a befriender? We'd love to hear from you. Contact our team to find out more about volunteering opportunities and how to get involved, or complete the contact form below.
Barbara Santa
+1 212 736 3100
Helen Hope's Befriender Testimonial
"Hi, this is Helen Hope who is a befriender with the Dòchas Carers Centre, and Helen has very kindly agreed to do a small interview with us today. Helen the first question is, what inspired you to become a befriender and what do you enjoy most about the role?"
"I like a good blether."
"And does that inspire you to become a befriender as well?
"Definitely. I like meeting people."
"Fantastic. Can you share a moment when you felt you made a real difference to someone you support?"
"Yes."
"Can you share a moment? Was there a particular memory.
"Well, this lady that I go to loves gardening and I love my garden. So, we talk a lot about gardens."
"So shared interests."
"Totally."
"Very important. And what would you say to someone thinking of becoming a befriender?"
"Don’t think about it, just do it."
"Perfect. Thank you so much Helen."
Emma Rosenberg
+1 212 736 3100
Bob Chicken's Befriender Testimonial
"Hi everybody, this is Bob Chicken, he is a volunteer befriender and he has been volunteering with the Dòchas Centre for 8 years now. So Bob, what made inspired you to become a befriender and what do you like most about the role?"
"Ok, I have been for the last, the previous 10 years a support worker, a professional support worker and I found after I retired I missed it. So, I contacted, I literally contacted the Dòchas and I just find it so fascinating the stories the supported have had to tell me about their lives and some of them have had quite remarkable lives but no body ever asked."
"So, you get to ask?"
"Yes, yes I like to do that."
"Thank you Bob."
Dave Willson
+1 212 736 3100
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Amy Jones
+1 212 736 3100
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Carer's Support
- Do you look after a relative, partner or friend who needs support because of age, physical or learning disability or illness including mental ill health?
- Who is a Carer? A carer is a family member, partner, relative or friend supporting someone who needs help to manage a long-term condition, disability, physical or mental health problem or addiction.
Dochas Carers Centre is an independent charity. We help and support unpaid carers by providing information and guidance which can make life better. There are many carers who live many miles from services and access can prove difficult or impossible. We have dedicated Support Workers who provide support to carers throughout Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands.
You can call in person, phone us, request a home visit or make an appointment to speak with one of our staff during the opening hours of the centre.
Find support in other areas of Argyll & Bute
North Argyll
For adult carers and young carers in Oban, Appin, Dalmally, Kilmelford, Lismore, Kerrera, Luing and the islands of Coll, Tiree, Mull and Iona.
Phone 01631 564 422
Cowal & Bute
For adult carers and young carers living in Cowal and Bute area. Please contact Crossroads Cowal and Bute and Carers Centre.
Phone 01369 707 700
Helensburgh and Lomond
For adult carers and young carers living in Helensburgh and Lomond area. Please contact Helensburgh and Lomond Carers Centre.
Phone 01436 673 444
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Need to talk to us?
Interested in becoming a befriender?
A regular conversation, friendly visit or listening ear can make a lasting difference to someone who feels lonely or isolated.
If you have a few hours to spare and would like to become a befriender, we'd love to hear from you.
Call 01546 600022, email volunteer@dochas.scot, or complete the Befriending Contact Form below to learn more about volunteering with Dòchas Carers Centre.
Befriending Contact Form
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