Circles of Support

A Circle of Support involves our Circle Volunteer Coordinator meeting with you and finding out if you would like support to make some changes to your social connections and your contact with others. It is a means of providing practical support, for example solving transport issues, giving the confidence to attend a group or lunch club, and helping to start generating a social circle thereby contributing positively to your life.

You can stop your circle support at any time if you feel it is not working for you or your circumstances change.

Is a circle for me?

• Are you over 65 years old?
• Do you feel socially isolated or lonely?
• Are you new to the area?
• Are you struggling to meet new people?
• Have you lost contact with friends?
• Are you looking to re-connect with your community?
• Would you like to meet new people or try something different?

Circles of Support may be able to help you by connecting you with a volunteer in your area.

How to access the service

You can self-refer by contacting the Circle Volunteer Co-ordinator or calling 07789 791264.

Referrals can also be made via GPs, social work services or any other community service or volunteer group working with an adult over age 65 who could benefit from the service.

What happens after a referral?

Once the Circle Volunteer Coordinator has received your referral they will arrange an initial meeting to discuss how this would work for you. That meeting could take place at your home or a location that suits you.

If you're happy to go ahead the Coordinator will then introduce you to one or more Partnership Volunteers, depending on your needs. This support can be medium or longer-term, depending on what you want to achieve, and what both you and the volunteer feels is beneficial.

How can I become a Partnership Volunteer?

We'd love to have you join. Becoming a Partnership Volunteer is a great opportunity for people who would like to contribute to their communities and help welcome new residents or those who might have lost touch with their local connections.

Volunteers will be asked to complete a background check to ensure the safety of both the volunteer and those who require their support.

To find out more or sign up as a volunteer email volunteer@pkc.gov.uk or call 07789 791264.

The information provided by you will be used by Perth & Kinross Council to deliver volunteering. The information will not be disclosed to third parties.

The Council may check information provided by you, or information about you provided by a third party, with other information held by us. We may also get information from certain third parties or share your information with them in order to verify its accuracy, prevent or detect crime, protect public funds or where required by law. 
For further information, please look at our Data Protection page; email Data Protection or phone 01738 477933.