An important function of the clan system is to encourage and enable members of the clan to support each other, especially in their hour of need. Macleans have always been good at this. Yet we are not always aware of the clansfolk who need our help. We have therefore associated ourselves with two charities who specialise in helping Scots in and around London.

ScotsCare (the Royal Scottish Corporation) helps Scots living within 35 miles of London’s Charing Cross who are distressed or need help to overcome poverty. Some are fleeing from violence and abuse, some are homeless and many are elderly and frail. Loneliness is common to most of them. ScotsCare provides four things: housing; financial assistance; advice; and someone to talk to.

Borderline assists homeless Scots in London to find a secure tenancy and lead a healthy, independent life. It currently has 9 Macleans on its books.

We can help in two ways. First, we can help to fund the work of the charities. This could involve us not only in giving money directly but also in undertaking fund-raising activities such as jumble sales, coffee mornings, sponsored walks etc. We could also help in fund-raising events organised by the charities.

Second, both charities need volunteers. This is enjoyable and hugely rewarding work. ScotsCare needs volunteers to help with office administration, to staff its telephone helpline and to organise and run social events such as lunches, trips out, etc. You can also display your musical/dance/artistic talents at these events!

More particularly, ScotsCare offers the following opportunities for helping Macleans and members of the septs:

• Befrienders
  – “Befriending is a process whereby two or more people come together with the aim of establishing and developing an informal and social relationship … Ideally the relationship is non-judgmental, mutual and there is commitment over time.” (Home Office)

• Blether buddies
  - telephoning existing clients on a regular basis (weekly, fortnightly or monthly, depending on the client's wishes), for a general chat and catch-up on how the client is feeling

• Community
  - developing a rapport and befriending the residents in ScotsCare’s supported housing units; liaising with family members and other service providers and ScotsCare

• Escorting
  - accompanying older clients to hospital appointments, social events, shopping etc.

• DIY
  – solving basic DIY problems in people’s homes or in ScotsCare's sheltered accommodation.

It should be noted that, before ScotsCare accepts anyone as a volunteer, they assess that person's capabilities for the task and undertake the normal CRB checks. Training is provided and each volunteer is supported by a supervisor.

Further information about these charities is available from their respective websites (see ScotsCare and Borderline). If you want to know more, or you are interested in helping, please contact the Secretary in the first instance, as we are co-ordinating our support for these charities.