Falling for Befriending…

When we launched Befriending Lewis last November, it was in response to feedback from our community that the service was urgently needed all around Lewis.  I decided to lead by example and joined the first group of Befrienders to go through the training sessions.  I have now been Befriending in the community for a few months, and have seen first-hand what a positive Befriending experience can bring to the Befriendee
and Befriender.

In addition to becoming a Befriender, I wanted to also do something to promote the service and  looked around for a fundraising event to get involved with. As I looked for ideas, one good ‘friend’ suggested, “why don’t you throw yourself out of a plane MacLeod, I would pay to see that!”.   So on the 26^th July, I will be travelling to Hibalstow in Lincolnshire to do a tandem skydive parachute jump in aid of Befriending Lewis (I have to travel to England as apparently they only let stick insects jump out of planes in Scotland, up to 14st that is!).  As I will be jumping from 15,000 ft, we have set an ambitious fundraising target of£15,000 to match this, but any funds raised will be gratefully accepted to support the Befriending service across Lewis, and help alleviate social isolation in our communities.  I cannot say that I'm looking forward to it, I'm not great with heights, but I really believe in the value of the work of Befriending Lewis, as I’ve seen first-hand how it can transform people’s lives.

There are so many people suffering the impacts of loneliness
and isolation right on our own door step and Befriending is something we can
all do to help people feel connected to other people and their community again.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page
and for any money you are able to pledge.

Hector