Community Support & Befriending Services

The Community Support Project is a local project run by Later Life Choices Glenrothes. It is funded by the Integrated Care Fund and covers the area of Glenrothes, Leslie, Markinch, Thornton and Coaltown of Balgonie.

The purpose of the project is to help improve the quality of life of older people in the community with a view to improving and maintaining their independence. This can be achieved by our staff/volunteers taking them out and about on outings of their choice on a regular one to one basis.

Similarly, the Befriending Project, which is funded by Fife Council, covers the area of Glenrothes, Leslie, Markinch, Thornton and Coaltown of Balgonie. Its purpose is the same as the Community Support Project, however its focus is on staff/volunteers visiting older people in their own homes to chat and to provide support and/or assistance with practical tasks and hobbies on a regular one to one basis.

Examples of activities:

• Gardening/Walking

• Assisting clients to appointments

• Assisting clients with shopping

• Accompanying clients on outings eg. cinema/shows

• Assisting in attending social activities/groups

• Getting out and about - going for a coffee/tea with a friend

• Assisting with hobbies and crafts at home

• Chatting and reminiscing at home

• Helping with form filling/IT

• Signposting

If you are interested in finding out more about utilising this service, or in becoming a Community Support and/or Befriender volunteer, please contact us.

Our clients are supported by trained staff and volunteers, who are all Disclosure Scotland PVG Scheme checked.