Volunteers ACROSS East Ayrshire were praised this week for their outstanding contribution over the last few months in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

To mark Volunteers’ Week which ran from June 1-7, stand-out locals were recognised for how they have used their time and kindness to make a difference to the lives of others.

Heather, Amy and Brian McEwan from Drongan are just a few of the volunteers who have been helping in the local community during these challenging times.

The family have been making telephone calls to older people offering help with shopping, free food packs or just to have a chat to let them know that there is someone thinking of them.

The McEwans said: “It’s easy to think that people will be fine in their homes and supported by loved ones but often that’s not the case.”

Jamie and Pamela Turnbull and their two boys, Jay and Sean, have also been recognised for taking part in the Befrienders Initiative and giving their time to befriend a young boy, Jack.

The befriending initiative allows the family to spend time with Jack, 13, by taking him on trips, doing activities together and letting him try new things.

Jamie said: “We’re a family of four so we always have an extra space in the car. If we’re going anywhere like a Comic Con event, as we’re big fans of that, we take Jack along with us. He fits in great.

“It gives him an opportunity to try stuff away from his peers, to be himself and to create his own identity. It’s unbelievably rewarding for us and is humbling for the boys.

“We’re the only family that’s went through the befriending training but Jack is the perfect match for us. We would advise anyone who has a spare hour a week to do it. It’s great to enjoy fun stuff and be a bit of a child again.”

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