Being a volunteer gives me a great sense of achievement, espacially when I see all the befriendees enjoy themselves.

Volunteering allows me to take time out of my own life and concerns and brings a great deal of enjoyment.

Seeing a Befriendee achieve even a small step forward in their own life through the group is a wonderful experience and makes the volunteering worthwhile

My son ha struggled with claustrophobic fears since he was very young, afraid to be too near people, fearful of mixing with people his own age. It has been a lifetime struggle to support my son through his anxieties. Due to these fears throughout his his life he has missed many opportunities of social occasions, which has had an impact of social isolation as an adult.

Over recent years he has progressed, his fears have lessened, although they still remain with him, he has developed coping mechanisims, with the help from family.

However, in just two years past, he has been taking part in Clydesdale Befriending Group activities - Friends on Friday, monthly outings and with the support of his befriender is keen to visit new places and meet new people. With his increased confidence he travels on buses, looks forward to new adventures and is confident to speak to new people. This new found confidence also means he conributes more to family life through sharing his experiences in a more comfident way.

I am ever grateful to the Staff, Volunteer Committee, and Volunteer Befrienders for the support my son has received.

There really is a major difference in my son's self confidence and his ability to do things 'without Dad.'

I love the Befriending Group because at home I only watch the TV. Here you get a cup of tea and biscuits and make new friends. I can talk to my friends and join in with the painting.

I have a befriender Cath. I go out to lunch with Cath on a Thursday. We talk about the news, and look in the paper to see what is happening in Lanark. We talk about what I am going to do at the club and outings. I went on a ship for the first time with the group and spoke to the Captain. I enjoyed that day. There were a lot of people around and a lot of things to see and do.

I look forward to what the group are going to do and I am now a member of the Focus Group. I can now help decide what we will do and where we will go.