1 minute read
Community Connections
Giving the gift of time
Jo Cowan It’s been one of these years. As we rush towards another one, I’m refl ecting on how much just giving our time can mean to our family and friends, to our communities and to ourselves.
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We say ‘spending time’ because it is valuable. It’s valuable to old and young. Making time to chat with, or visit, the older folk in our lives can sometimes be diffi cult – but you spending even a short time with them can mean a lot to someone who feels they don’t matter or feels disconnected.
Volunteering time in our communities was the theme of Voluntary Action Lochaber’s article in October’s Lochaber Life. If you feel you can give some time to your community, approach one of Lochaber’s many voluntary organisations, community associations or tenants’ groups for a chat.
You can also go along to Voluntary Action Lochaber at An Drochaid in Claggan to ask about the opportunities available, check for openings on www. valochaber.org, contact Dani on 01397 706044 or email volunteering@ valochaber.org
Many community organisations would welcome more volunteers to extend the help they can provide.
It’s not only voluntary time that can make a diff erence in these diffi cult times.
With a serious shortage of care and support workers, considering working even part-time in a paid position in care could make an immense diff erence to people’s lives.
If you have the time, care and compassion needed, why not think about taking steps to fi nd out more about this?
Giving the gift of time to yourself is really important too. Whether it’s a walk outside, or a day on the hills, a regular catch up with a pal, or just a quick pop in for a blether, time to read, or just time to be – stop the clock and fi nd the time for it.
For any older person feeling alone, remember that many people are giving time because they care about that.
Age Scotland’s Helpline off ers friendship as well as information and advice. It’s free to call and available Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm.
Call on 0800 12 44 222.