Welcome

We provide a wide range of volunteer befriending support for people with learning disabilities (and young people with autism) in the Scottish Borders. 1:1 friendships, social groups and distance contact are blended to enrich the lives of our members, their carers and volunteers of all ages.

Ministerial Visit

On the 14th December Green Wanderers hosted a Ministerial Visit by SNP Minister for Equalities Emma Roddick and 3 of her team, who had come to find out more about Interest Link and the benefits of befriending projects. Group members did a great job telling the...

Loving our Volunteers Award

In February 2023 we won the overall Loving our Volunteers award, recognising outstanding volunteering in the Scottish Borders. Three of our volunteers were also recognised...

Charmian Challenge

The first Charmian Challenge was held in April 2023 in memory of Charmian Ledsham, who was a director of Interest Link from its start in 2001 to 2021. Over 100 members, carers, volunteers and other runners & walkers met at The Haining in Selkirk for a 2k or 5k...

Amsterdam Trip

Our first two-night trip, on the overnight ferry to Amsterdam in May 2023 was a huge success with all involved, as you can see on the video &...

Keilder Trip

We ran our largest ever overnight trip in May 2023, with 12 members, 8 volunteers and 3 staff staying at Keilder. You can see what they got up to in the video &...

Inspire Awards

In November 2023 the Central Borders branch won the Community Youth Provision category in the Inspire Awards, recognising the positive impact and outstanding contributions of young people in the Scottish...

Charmian Challenge 20th April 2024

Come along and join us for this year’s fundraising challenge in Selkirk on Saturday 20th April for a 5k trail run or a scenic 2k/4k fun walk accessible for all. Both will be in the stunning grounds of the Haining, taking in the beauty of the countryside and loch....

USE OUR SERVICE

Find out how you (or the person you care for) could benefit from our befriending service.

VOLUNTEER WITH US

Join 200 volunteers across the Scottish Borders enriching their lives through befriending.

“I feel valued”

“More confident, doing things I have never done.”

“Always felt safe in the group.”

“I feel happier because I have friends that I can trust”

“I am not so shy”

“Seeing my friends makes me feel happy."

“I would have been very lonely if it hadn't been for Interest Link over the past 2 years.”

“I am better at telling people what I mean.”

Our Activities

One-to-One Befriending

Members and volunteers meet up regularly for activities of their choice.

In-school Groups

Lunchtime groups help us reach children who cannot attend our community groups for any reason.

Group Befriending

We have social groups for children, young people and adults that meet across the Borders.

Distance Befriending

During the pandemic we delivered our service remotely, and we have kept some Zoom and social media contact.