What is Hospital Discharge Support?
BefriendingGALE’s Discharge Support Service is an arm of GALE’s befriending service that offers support to people during (if a planned stay) and for 6 weeks after discharge from hospital. For an unplanned stay, the service will begin as soon as we are able after being made aware of the referral.
The volunteer provides social and practical support in an informal way. The amount of time and activities will vary depending on the needs of the individual but every volunteer will provide a friendly ear to listen as well as providing social support and companionship during a time that can be quite difficult and isolating. As well as companionship the service we can provide could be keeping the individual up to date with local goings on, making sure the heating is on for their return home and there are some essentials in the fridge etc.
What Can We Help With?
Everyone is different and has differing needs and we tailor our services to each individual and to their recovery needs.
While we can’t undertake any medical or personal care, we can offer encouragement to complete a physio regime, company during those early days at home and on the first trips out after discharge. Our volunteers can help ensure there are groceries at home and accompany the person during their follow up appointments if required. Please contact the Befriending Coordinator for more information on what services are available.
Who Can Access The Befriending Service?
Anyone over the age of 18 and resident in Gairloch, Loch Ewe area to Badcaul and Ullapool.
How Do I Make An Appointment?
Individuals and family members may self-refer to BefriendingGALE. Once your referral is received we will arrange a time to chat about what the service can offer you.
If you think that you or someone you know may benefit from Befriending contact us:
📞 07796 807076
✉️ volunteering@galeteam.co.uk
Is The Service Confidential?
Yes! We provide a confidential service
Is There A Charge?
No. BefriendingGALE is funded via GALE and Highland Hospice. Funding helps to cover any expenses incurred by volunteers such as their travel.
The Befrienders
Our volunteer befrienders are trained by both Highland Hospice and GALE. With that training, they can make a big difference to the general welfare of the people they support. Volunteers will not become involved in personal care, medical care, counselling, domestic tasks such as cooking or cleaning, nor financial or legal matters.
Instead, they provide social and practical support to all individuals in need. Whether they have a life shortening illness, experiencing loneliness or social isolation, or are in need of short term support after a life-changing event such as bereavement or on discharge from hospital.
Befriending Coordinator
Donna Miller is BefriendingGALE’s Coordinator, she has worked with GALE since 2024. With a strong background in customer service and healthcare, Donna has found her calling in managing all aspects of volunteering within GALE.
A Befriending Service Run By Locals
Everyone needs other people, but not everyone has someone. Befriending offers supportive, reliable relationships through volunteer befrienders to people who would otherwise be socially isolated. BefriendingGALE provides effective support for children and young people, families, people with mental ill-health, people with learning disabilities and older people, amongst many others.
The results of befriending can be very significant. Befriending often provides people with a new direction in life, opens up a range of activities and leads to increased self-esteem and self confidence. Befriending can also reduce the burden on other services which people may use inappropriately as they seek social contact.
Support Us
A donation of £12 will cover the travelling expenses for 1 volunteer for 1 month and provide essential support for those in need.
If you would like to help us, please tell your friends and family about us, and consider donating to the befriending service by sending a donation:
Thank you for your support.
Contact Us
If you need someone to talk to or would like more information, please enquire confidentially via the form below.