Linlithgow Link

Link was founded in 1979, the first voluntary group of its kind in West Lothian. The health professionals who worked in the community recognised a gap in the services they provided.

  • Housebound people were in need of  friendly companionship which they did not have the time to provide due to pressure of work - thus the Caring Service was introduced with Linkers visiting and sharing a chat and a cup of tea.
  • The hospital at that time was Bangour which needed a change of buses from Linlithgow and people who had difficulty coping with public transport needed help - thus the transport service was introduced with Link volunteer drivers, using their own cars to take people to hospital.

 

 

Link in the Community

Links help to the community of Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge continues with both original services still very much in demand and new projects which have grown over the years when a gap has been identified which is suitable for Linkers to help:-

  • A winter social evening in St Michael's hospital where entertainment is organised and refreshments served by Linkers
  • A weekly meeting in Ashley Hall, Linlithgow Abbeyfiled House where housebound people are brought in by volunteer drivers to enjoy a varied programme, friendship and afternoon tea
  • Outings in an accessible bus in Spring and early Autumn with wheelchair pushers for those with walking problems
  • Linkers help Mums with new babies or toddlers
  • and much more...

 

 

 

People who use the services often remark :-

"I don't know what I would have done if it had not been for Link!"

 

 

 

 

Mission Statement

Linlithgow Link aims to provide a voluntary service to promote the concept of a more caring community, particularly within Linlithgow by,

 

  • Providing a visiting and car service as voluntary back up support to the statutory caring services
  • Providing support for all identified sectors of the community, particularly the elderly infirm in the form of social or community activity
  • Addressing need on an individual basis
  • Raising awareness of the needs of these sectors of the community
  • Promoting and publicising Link and the contribution it makes to the community
  • At all times, working in partnership with Linkers, and the statutory and voluntary agencies