The Aberdeen Law Project has joined forces with TLC to support the launch of the local charity’s befriending project, which aims to help tackle the effects of social isolation and loneliness.

TLC launched the project in response to the impact that Covid-19 and lockdown has had on people’s physical, mental and emotional health. The scheme pairs people with trained volunteers who, as well as forming friendships with them, will be able to help them reconnect with the local community. The Aberdeen Law Project’s first cohort of volunteers have been trained and paired with people in the community.

The scheme operates online and over the phone but TLC hope to begin to provide in-person meetings as lockdown restrictions ease.

Helena Siebenrock, Co-student Director, said: “’It is clear that the pandemic has exacerbated the effects of social isolation and loneliness and, after being contacted by TLC, we were keen to get involved in the project and do whatever we could to help.

David Lennox, Project Lead, said: ‘’After joining the Befriending Project, I realised how taking a little bit of time out of your day can make a world of a difference to someone who is lonely and isolated. It doesn’t require much to bring a bit of joy to someone’s day. Sometimes a phone call is all it takes!’’

ALP is grateful for continuing financial support from the University of Aberdeen Development Trust.