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Sometimes, the simplest conversation can make the biggest difference.
For Caroline Duncan, Beatson Cancer Charity's Befriending Service has provided comfort, connection and someone to chat to during a challenging time. For volunteer Anne Miller, it has been an opportunity to use her experience and compassion to support others when they need it most.
Together, their story highlights the power of friendship and the difference a listening ear can make.
Finding Connection Through Befriending
Caroline first heard about the Befriending Service during an appointment at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
Having previously explored befriending opportunities through her local council, she was facing a waiting list when a conversation with her nurse introduced her to the service offered by Beatson Cancer Charity.
Since being matched with Anne, Caroline says the experience has made a real difference.
"I find it really helpful," she explained. "It's been really good for me, and it's helped me massively."
Although their friendship began through regular phone calls, Caroline was delighted to meet Anne in person for the first time at a recent 'Befriending Blether' event.
"I was trying to put a face to the person over the phone, but she was exactly what I thought she'd be. She was so nice and we had a good chat for ages. I felt so at ease around her."
For Caroline, one of the most important aspects of the service is having someone she feels able to talk openly with.
"It's been a perfect match from day one because I've always felt comfortable speaking to her. I feel as if I can talk about personal stuff and different things that are on my mind."
More Than a Phone Call
Since being matched with Anne, Caroline has discovered the value of having someone who's always there to listen.
She explained: "Even just speaking to somebody on the phone helps, and I've not found many places that do that."
The service has also helped Caroline connect with others who understand some of the challenges she's faced.
"I've got to meet other people who are in similar situations to me. It's absolutely fantastic."
And would Caroline recommend the service?
"I'd recommend it to absolutely anybody. I'd say definitely give it a go."
Giving Back Through Friendship
On the other side of the phone is Anne, who became a befriending volunteer following her retirement from nursing. After a career spent caring for others, she still wanted to contribute, and Beatson Cancer Charity felt like the perfect fit.
"The charity was always a place that was quite close to my heart," Anne explained. "I've had a lot of family members and friends' families who have been there and I've always felt it was an organisation that I really respected."
When she learned about the Befriending Service, she saw an opportunity to use the skills she had developed throughout her career in a different way.
"Part of what I missed from my job was meeting people, chatting and getting to know them," she said.
The Importance of Being There
For Anne, befriending is not about giving advice. It's about lending an ear.
"It just takes a while getting to know people," said Anne. "It's probably more listening than talking. You find out what their interests are, what they're worried about and what they would like to talk about."
She believes one of the greatest benefits of the service is providing people with a safe space to speak openly about their feelings.
"A lot of people have such a difficult journey and so many worries.
"Sometimes it's not easy to chat to your family because they're going through it too. People often don't want to burden their loved ones, so it's nice that they've got somebody outside of that circle who they can be honest with."
Celebrating National Befriending Week
For Anne, National Befriending Week is an opportunity to shine a light on a service that can have a profound impact.
"I think it's such an amazing service," she said. "The team have done an incredible job getting it up and running and keeping it going. There are lots of professional sources of support available, but having somebody there just to chat to is such a valuable role."
She also encourages anyone considering volunteering to find out more.
"Go along and chat to the team and find out what's involved," she said. "The support is there, and it's such an important service."
When asked to sum up what befriending means to her, Anne's answer captured the heart of the programme perfectly:
"Friendship is important for everyone, and for people going through a journey, friendship becomes even more important."
Both Caroline and Anne's experiences show that befriending is about more than a weekly call. For Volunteer Co-ordinator Paul Sheerin, their story is a perfect example of the impact the service can have.
"Anne, who's been volunteering with us for about three years, is an absolute gem with her befriending clients.
"Caroline has been with us for around six months and she's such brilliant person to support. We're really delighted that we can offer her that help."
