Caring Soles a service which provides volunteer-led personal footcare and combats social isolation run by the Eric Liddell Centre is now running in Wester Hailes library.
The Caring Soles project has been running for over a year with the Wester Hailes sessions launching after the Eric Liddell Centre received a funding award of £24,000 from the Weir Charitable Trust, allowing the group to run the sessions at a discounted rate.
With guidance from NHS Lothian Podiatry, training in basic footcare is given to Caring Soles volunteers and they are supported by the Eric Liddell Centre to deliver the service. Caring Soles provides low cost volunteer-led basic footcare to people who struggle to maintain this independently. There is also a huge social engagement factor to delivering this service in the community, with service users & volunteers enjoying important social contact during appointments which makes an impact on social isolation and loneliness.
Speaking to participant Rae Grant at the Wester Hailes session she said:
I feel as if I’m walking on air. I’m looking forward to the next session! I’m so glad I found a leaflet. It’s a wonderful experience. When you get older cutting your toe nails can be really difficult and it’s nice to have it done for you. The massage with the cream at the end was the icing on the cake.
The group is currently looking for volunteers:
If you would be a great Foot Care Volunteer if any of these interest you:
- Helping to deliver a vital service to people in a community setting
- Gaining knowledge and application in good personal footcare
- Providing support to many to be active on their feet and safe
- Reducing social isolation and improving wellbeing
- Building your confidence in health and care skills
To find out more contact the Eric Liddell Centre on phone 0131 447 4520 or email lisa@ericliddell.org.
