Feelings of isolation, loneliness, or being disconnected are all too common, and one of our Baptist church members is tackling this head on! In this Connect we hear from Michelle Candlish, who is part of Bearsden Baptist Church and the National Scottish Development Manager for Linking Lives, a UK wide charity who offer training, equipping and resources to churches and organisations focused on addressing these needs. Michelle has been involved with Dingwall Baptist Church, and just recently spent time training a team at Fort William Baptist Church who share how they are now expanding their community outreach to include a Befriending Service…
We were approached by a local mental health charity worker who recommended connecting with Michelle, who is the National Scottish Development Worker at Linking Lives UK. We had an introduction meeting on zoom and I was so instantly impressed with Michelle’s manner and ease at making me feel confident in hosting a Good Conversation session for volunteers. We agreed a date and Michelle even created an invitation we could send around to other churches and local charities.We found the training incredibly beneficial. We had a range of people from across our town join together and have discussions on how to really listen and also how to engage with folks.We are past the training a couple of weeks and just yesterday one man who attended mentioned it to me again. We hope to continue on and partner with the Going Deeper Project – using conversation cards and exploring in the near future how to approach setting up a Two’s Company Befriending service here in Lochaber.We are grateful for Michelle and the service Linking Lives UK provides and we heartily recommend it to any other churches and charities that are wanting to reach out to reduce loneliness and isolation.
Dingwall Baptist Church has also previously been supported by Linking Lives in the establishing of their befriending scheme.
Chris was the Co-ordinator of the Twos Company Dingwall Befriending Service, and says,
” I am first and foremost a Christian which shapes all I do in my life. I was a volunteer advocate for over ten years giving a voice to those who were unheard. My favourite thing about Linking Lives Twos Company is the difference it makes to the lives of isolated and lonely people we are privileged to befriend. The difference they make to the volunteers lives that it is beneficial to all those involved, and we learn from each other. I am called the dog lady because for over thirty years I have never been without a dog or two. Or maybe three! All rescues!”
If you would like to find out more information about ways your church can access free resources, training and support please get in touch with Michelle michelle@linkinglives.uk.
