A Listening Ear

Who we are

A Listening Ear is a volunteer-led befriending service launched in Wigtownshire in 2020 as a community response to the increased loneliness and isolation faced by many older and vulnerable people a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. As demand for our services increased, it became clear that there was a need for an ongoing befriending service across Dumfries and Galloway to help tackle the hidden isolation that existed long before the Covid pandemic, not least amongst older people, carers and those with long-term physical and mental health conditions.

With assistance from Sleeping Giants Community Development CIC, a capacity-building social enterprise working across the south of Scotland, we secured funding to pay a part time Volunteer Co-ordinator and applied to become a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. This involved finding out the needs and experiences of our service-users, volunteers and partner agencies and then developing a clear outline of our vision, mission, values, and purpose. Upon becoming a  registered SCIO in December 2022,  we undertook a process of leadership, management, and governance training and improvement work and applied for funding to expand our service across Dumfries and Galloway.

From very small beginnings, A Listening Ear has grown from strength to strength. Our trained volunteers provide high quality befriending, signposting, information on issues such as health, housing and benefits, and referrals to other appropriate agencies.

Our culture and values

Flexible and personal: designed around you.

Confidential and safe: a service you can trust.

Kind and compassionate: we care about people.

Welcoming and inclusive: no-one left behind.

Local volunteers for local people: all part of a shared community.