A CLYDEBANK woman has praised the benefits of befriending and said it's "an amazing thing to do."

Ashleigh Cox, a volunteer with the Be-side Befriending service, has spoken about her experience of supporting a resident over 60 in West Dunbartonshire.

The service focuses on countering the isolation faced by individuals living alone.

Ashleigh, who was first drawn to the initiative during the pandemic, said: "I’m Clydebank born and bred, and I’ve volunteered quite a lot throughout my life, in the Girls Brigade, or with my local bowling club and befriending just seemed like the next thing."

She was paired with her 'befriendee', Gloria.

Ashleigh said: "I try to visit Gloria when I am on an early shift, so I can spend a couple hours with her in the afternoon. But there have been occasions where I'll go up in the evening and we have dinner together or order a Chinese meal.

"We try to find a balance, what works for her and what works for me.

"Gloria is such a lovely lady. She's very wise and has so much to pass on. I always learn a lot from her. I'd say she's a good friend of mine now.

"She's excellent company, has so many wonderful stories and she's quite interested in what's going on in my life too."

With her positive experience, Ashleigh encourages others to consider befriending.

She said: "It's just a really nice experience. I would do it as often as I could with as many people as I could. I think it's an amazing thing to do.

"I really like the company, Gloria is very funny, and I always leave her house smiling. It's so rewarding. You get to meet some wonderful people. It's good getting to bond and engage with people you might not otherwise get to know.

"You learn so much and you get so much out of it. And the people you're working with are just amazing, they've all got a story to tell and it's worth listening to." 

Ashleigh lost her grandparents at a young age and likens her relationship with Gloria to having 'that kind of figure' in her life.

She said: "Hopefully Gloria gets something from my company too. She says it's like having her family back, which I really like.

"As a member of bowling clubs, I do talk to people that are older than me most of the time, but it’s different with Gloria."

For those interested in forming connections and making a positive impact through volunteering, the Be-side Befriending service is seeking more volunteers.

To get involved, contact WDCVS on wellbeing@wdcvs.com, call 0141 941 0886 or visit the website.