Social Isolation

Engaging with people who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing loneliness and isolation.

Social Isolation One Stop Shop

The Social Isolation One Stop Shop will function as a route into the Third Sector for people experiencing frailty who have been assessed as socially isolated or at risk of social isolation. We are inviting referrals of people who do not have critical or substantial need
but would benefit from some lower levels of interventions and support.

Signposting Widely

Whether a person would benefit from support on discharge from hospital, befriending, a morning call, exercise or falls prevention classes, advice services, mental health support, a shopping service, or even just better access to activities in their local community we have detailed local knowledge and relationships with local services that allow for quick and effective referrals that support people to meet their outcomes and improve their health.

Knowledge of the Third Sector

With up to date and evolving knowledge of the third sector and the full range of community resources and support that is available, we will work with individuals to identify their needs and to direct them to appropriate local services that will make a difference to their
quality of life.

With a wide range of services and options available it can be challenging and time– consuming to locate and refer in to different services in the city. The One Stop Shop will encourage a single, simple referral that can then lead to a variety of interventions for a person. We will make direct contact with people, building a relationship and finding out what they feel would be important to them in order to create bespoke packages for each individual.

Flexible and Creative

We will constantly be looking to overcome barriers to social inclusion and working with partners across the sector in a variety of ways to creatively meet people’s needs and lead them towards social connection.

Most importantly we will work flexibly and adapt to people’s preferences to ensure that their choices and individual needs are followed up in a person–centred and sensitive way.

For more information or to refer contact please call: 01382 305757

Community Companions

Community Companions is aimed at adults in Dundee who are either experiencing or have the potential to experience social isolation. Each person is matched up to a Community Companion based on personality, hobbies and interest and general living experiences. Community Companions befriend people in many ways for example, visiting them in their own home, accompanying them to social activities or shopping trips, or even a visit to a local café.

The person receiving the companionship can choose how often they require support and what type of support they require.

For more information about the Community Companion Scheme contact communitycompanions@dvva.scot or telephone 01382 305736.

Community Companions Video

Community Companion Information

Community Companion Leaflet

Volunteer Application Form with PVG

Social Cafés

The Community Companions is also hosting Social Cafés in Dundee to promote social inclusion within the community. The cafes are open to everyone and provide a welcoming environment for individuals to come together and connect. Everyone is invited to come along and enjoy a free hot drink, snacks, and some fun activities ranging from arts and crafts, gentle exercise, board games, and film afternoons to guest speakers. The cafes are community-led which helps to shape the way individuals in the group like to run them. There is no need to sign up, simply come along, bring a friend with you and join us.

For more information, please contact us at communitycompanions@dvva.scot or call 01382 305757.

Dial-OP

It’s your call!

DIAL-OP is a telephone based service run by Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action and we support adults who are lonely, isolated or at risk of becoming lonely and isolated. The service helps people to feel more connected, safer and valued.

Dial-OP Information Line is a one-stop-shop for any information needs. We offer reliable and easy-to-access information to community members, workers and professionals on a range of topics, including social and physical activities available locally, practical help at home, support provision for vulnerable adults, learning and volunteering opportunities, to mention just a few. When advice on a specific area is required, we signpost or refer callers on to the relevant local service or organisation.

So, if you have a query or concern, no matter how big or small, give us a ring and we will be delighted to help.

The Information Line is operational from Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, with an answer machine service out with office hours. If you call and nobody is available, please leave a message and we will get back in touch within 2 working days. Email enquiries can be sent to dialop@dvva.scot.

Dial-OP Blether Buddies offers friendship through weekly calls provided by our trained and supported volunteers. The calls last from 30 minutes to an hour.

“I look forward to them (telephone calls), sometimes it can be the only person you speak to that day” Dial-OP Blether Buddie service user

Dial-OP Morning Call gives a quick scheduled check in call Monday to Friday between 8am and 11am. Reminders, signposting and onwards referrals are available if required.

“Very happy with service – it has helped me keep a routine in my day-to-day life which is very important to me. I feel as though my day starts with my morning call – a lovely beginning to the day.” Dial-OP Morning Call service user

“I feel like this is a rock for me as I live on my own” Dial-OP Morning Call service user

We welcome self-referral, referral through family, friends or local services. A referral form can be found below or give us a call and we can post one out to you.

Dial-OP BB & MC Referral eForm

Our Information Helpline and Morning Call services are fully accessible to BSL users through contactSCOTLAND-BSL

BSL users can contact us via contactSCOTLAND BSL, the online British Sign Language interpreting service. Further details available at www.contactscotland-bsl.org

Get involved

We are always keen to take new volunteers on board and if you have some time to spare and would like to get involved, with any of the Dial-OP services please download our Volunteer Application below or contact us on 01382 305757 or dialop@dvva.scot

Volunteer Application Form

“This is a really good way for me to give something back . As I am disabled so I’m able to contribute from my home. I love blethering with people. It’s amazing how a friendship develops with some one, who you have never met, develops over the phone.” Dial-OP Blether Buddie Volunteer

Facebook @DialopDundee Twitter @DialopDundee

Participation & Engagement (Older People’s Services)

Participation & Engagement (Older People’s Services)

We are part of the Social Isolation team and aim to support older people in Dundee to:

Plan, deliver and participate in services and events that matter to them
Have their say on local issues that matter to them
Access funding for older people’s groups
Loan out equipment to older people’s groups in Dundee (see our Loan Equipment List)

For more information on The Social Isolation, Participation and Engagement service, please contact Tel. 01382 305 757

Do you need more information about starting a community group or project?

Online Drop-Ins

Chat to one of our team at one of our weekly Online Drop-Ins.
Learn More
Volunteer

Check out all the current volunteering opportunities in Dundee.
Learn More

You can also give us a call on 01382 305705 to talk to a team member about what you would like to do.

Did you know you can also volunteer with us?

If you have additional skills and experience which you feel would benefit our organisations, such as supporting us in our offices, marketing or fundraising or with one of our projects then please get in touch.

Dial-OP

I love blethering with people. It’s amazing how a friendship develops with someone, who you have never met, develops over the phone.” Dial-OP Blether Buddie Volunteer
Learn More
Link Up Whitfield

From Camera Club to Walking Group we are always keen to take new volunteers on board if you have some time to spare and would like to get involved
Learn More

Social Isolation