More than 100 new volunteers from across the Falkirk area are wanted to help support those living with long term conditions (LTCs) as their health declines.

Falkirk’s Health and Social Care Partnership start a new campaign this October that aims to develop a community of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds who can offer support to individuals and carers as they face the challenges of the last year of life.

The campaign, ‘Living Right up to the End’, is an extension of the current Befriending Scheme operated by Strathcarron Hospice and will focus more on how people with LTCs can plan ahead to ensure they get the most from life during this time.

Long term conditions are health conditions that last a year or longer, impact on a person’s life and may require ongoing care and support.

Volunteers will be offered training to support those with LTCs. This would include helping them make plans for the future, supporting them in their local community and helping them find appropriate support information.

No formal qualifications are needed for the positions and volunteers are not expected to offer their support for more than a few hours a week. However, they are expected to be compassionate and a good listener. Strathcarron Hospice Community Development staff will be available to support the volunteers as required.

Julia Swan, Chair of Falkirk Integration Joint Board said: “Volunteering to help those with long term conditions in a very rewarding and involved role. Your help can make a massive difference to how they enjoy and get the most from life.

“Our professional health and care services can help with many situations but by bringing the personal and more social interactions into a person’s life, volunteers will ensure they can bring reassurance when it really matters.

“Support is offered throughout to any volunteer and training given to maintain already high levels of support we offer.”

The project will be rolled out initially across in Denny, Bonnybridge, Stenhousemuir and Larbert throughout Autumn 2017, with a view to developing across the rest of the Falkirk Council areas, based on successful evaluation.

Find out more about the project or email susan.high@nhs.net or mandy.ross2@nhs.net or call 01324 826222.