“It’s nice to have some company and a chat.”

As part of Loneliness Week we want to raise awareness about loneliness and promote meaningful social connections.

We all feel lonely at times – it’s a natural human emotion. We're biologically wired for social contact, and loneliness is our signal that we need more.

Did you know Strathcarron Hospice has a befriending service available for adult patients with living with a serious, often incurable illness?

Our Strathcarron ‘Compassionate Neighbours’ are volunteers from our local communities who can help people to make connections in a number of different ways. 

We are urgently seeking more befrienders!

If you are a friendly, confident, reliable individual with great communication skills, living in the Falkirk/Stirling or Clackmannanshire areas, we would love to hear from you!

Duties could include:

• Visiting the same person at home at an agreed time weekly or fortnightly
• Offering friendship and conversation
• Provide a listening ear about poor health and/or planning ahead for poorer health or for death where appropriate
• Fun activities - for example chatting about common interests, playing dominos, skill sharing such as crafting etc.
• Giving someone a call for a friendly chat once a week

If you would like to help brighten someone’s day as a volunteer ‘Compassionate Neighbour’ fill in a volunteer form https://www.strathcarronhospice.net/apply-for-volunteering

Or for further information email [email protected]

We have people waiting in Falkirk, Stirling, Clacks and Cumbernauld/Kilsyth who would love someone to visit regularly.

Published 17 June 2026