An award-winning befrienders project at an East Kilbride high school has adapted to meet the ever changing challenges of the Covid pandemic.
But the core aim of the scheme at Calderglen High, which began 11 years ago, hasn’t changed - to provide friendship and companionship to older members of the community and foster links between the generations.
The scheme was founded by community stalwart Avril Anderson in conjunction with Claremont Parish Church and has won praise far and wide.
With the project during lockdown relying on phone calls between the senior pupils involved and the elderly residents they befriend, all involved were delighted to return to in-person visits - with strict guidance in place.
But with the spread of the Omicron Covid variant, plans had to adapt yet again.
Founder Avril said: “The S6 pupils on return from the October break were able to get the befrienders project off the ground.
“It began with pupils going along to EK food bank with volunteers from Claremont Parish Church. Some went along to Cafe Clare to help out there and chat with the seniors, which proved very successful.
“All pupils taking part had to have a jab and take a lateral flow test before visiting any senior residents.”
She added: “The home visits were warmly greeted by both seniors and pupils.
“Pupils went in pairs for around 90 minutes a week, chatting over a cuppa, helping out with chores or errands, or getting shopping.
“All was going well then Omicron came along and following new guidance from ministers, instead of home visits some of the pupils decided to keep in contact by phone calls or FaceTime, which proved very successful last year during lockdown.”
However, sadly the traditional Christmas lunch for the senior citizens had to be called off, similar to last year.
But determined not to disappoint the older residents, staff member Steve Odger and his team prepared a lovely box of goodies for them.
Treats included shortbread, chocolate biscuits, gingerbread men, chocolates and a lovely card from all at the school.
Avril continued: “Hopefully, they may be able to go back to visiting at some point but a huge thank you to all pupils who have taken part in the project and to the health and food technology department in the school for preparing the goodie boxes.”
Get next week's East Kilbride News to find out more about the befrienders' work.
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