Belinda Braithwaite

 

One of the many challenges of Covid restrictions is keeping in some kind of contact with a Circle of Friends' friend. In the warmer weather, it was much easier - we met in the garden with the inevitable cuppa. It was lovely to sustain the link, to share news and chat, but Winter and Restrictions pose new challenges:

Will my gentleman remember who I am?

Will he hear me okay on the phone? 

Will I be able to sustain a conversation as easily? 

Will he look or note in his diary for a chat?

It's been an interesting observation in remembering, at first he was puzzled as to why I wasn't visiting, then he dismissed the news as exaggerated and now the "exposure" to Covid news has found a significant place in this gentleman's memory. He doesn't forget my name and I'm reminded how important the Circle of Friends has become to him. So, phone calls are the best we have; they're usually shorter but often more frequent than visits and in normal times our conversation would feel stilted and a bit repetitive. But let's be honest, we none of us have much that's new to talk about do we? Timings for calls are more flexible so if he doesn't hear the phone I try again another day. My friend's humour and resilience shine through, he brightens my day for sure and I'm pleased the link hasn't had to stop. 

Ros Box

 

It all began by reading an article in the Argyllshire Advertiser which mentioned the Circle of Friends at the Dochas Carers Centre. I pondered for weeks as to whether this was something I should look into. Eventually, the decision was made and, following a chat with Ryan, the co-operator everything was put in place. All necessary checks were made and an initial introduction was made to my befriendee to see how it went. 

We hit it off from the start and our weekly "hour" became something we both looked forward to. Our conversations covered many topics - some light and entertaining and others very profound and thought-provoking. 

Since the lockdown and no face to face contact, our weekly chats have been confined to the telephone. The chats are not quite so long, but regular contact is being maintained. To be told that, what to me is a small amount of my time on a busy day, means so much to someone whose days are relatively the same week after week, is very humbling. 

So what does it mean to be a member of the Circle of Friends?

• Do you have to commit your time? Yes
• Do you have to be sensitive to your befriendee's circumstances? Yes
• Do you have to be willing to expect some visits go better some days than others? Yes
• Is it rewarding? Most definitely

I have come to realise, we can't put the world right, but we can make a difference to the little bit of the world in which we live. 

Sue MacDougall

 

I started befriending during Lockdown last year. This means I have never actually met the lovely people I chat to weekly! I was anxious, at first, about phoning wondering how it would go, later I found out that that we were all a bit concerned. However, I feel that we have successfully built up good relationships with each other and I think we all enjoy our phone blethers. We always have a giggle, often reminisce and sometimes sort out the world's problems! I really look forward to my weekly chat. I am also looking forward to a time hopefully, in the not too distant future when we can meet face to face.