Last week, This is Haslemere had the pleasure of chatting to Clare Boag, one of the volunteers at I’m all ears. We wanted to find out more about the organisation and their latest initiative – the Buddy Project.

I’m all ears was founded by Grayshott resident Tracy Castell, following the tragic death of a 16 year old Woolmer Hill School pupil. At that time, parents and students were trying to make sense of this tragedy whilst the wider local community felt an enormous collective sense of loss, with nowhere to go for help and support.

Tracy was keen to do everything she could to ensure that those struggling with their mental health in the future could get the support they needed. And the idea of I’m all ears was born. I’m all ears is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) providing fast, low-cost and funded mental health counselling.

Since it was set up, demand for counselling services has grown phenomenally and the group now cover a wide area. These days, I’m all ears have a team of counsellors, ranging from those in their final year of training through to senior specialist counsellors. Fees operate on a sliding scale. They ask for payment from those that can afford it in order to ensure that their service is sustainable in a 'paying it forward' way. But for those who can not afford to pay, there is complimentary counselling available.

I’m all ears is a truly inspiring and positive thing to come out of the very worst of situations.

The Buddy Project

‘Let’s make life a little brighter one phone call at a time.’

The Buddy Project is the latest initiative from the I’m all ears volunteers. It is aimed at building supportive and caring relationships within our community. A Buddy is a friendly person who will chat with someone on the phone ensuring that an individual knows that they are never alone. It’s about making someone talk, laugh and smile. A Buddy is someone that you can share your day with and who will listen.

The service is for those that feel lonely or who are looking for someone to talk to. It’s for those in search of a friendly chat or who would appreciate a regular phone call from someone who cares.

The idea was, in part, born out of the fact that many of those receiving counselling support were reluctant to finish but actually no longer needed this formal level of support. The Buddy Project allows them to still have the support they need but in a more informal setting. However, it’s also a way to try and tackle the increasing crisis of loneliness and isolation that can affect people at all stages of life.

The team at I’m all ears are keen to connect individuals who are looking to find someone to chat to. A Buddy will be matched with an individual and they will chat over the phone once or twice a week. Each call is friendly, kind and private. Conversations can be about anything – sport, TV, the weather, work – the important thing is having a regular, caring ear.

Clare told us, ‘Whether you’re the buddy or the person requesting a buddy, we know that this will be a mutually beneficial experience. And whilst someone may initially approach the organisation in need of a buddy, we are anticipating that many will become future buddies themselves. This is definitely a project where we believe people will feel that they can ‘pay it forward’ in the future.’

The project is supported by Waverley Council. Full training and support is given to those looking to become a buddy. Monthly social gatherings will also be organised for buddy pairs to meet in person with Hoppa transport available to ensure that there are no barriers to attendance should someone wish to come along. Joining the scheme is free (although a small charge may apply for the monthly social events).

How you can help

Become a buddy

If you would be interested in finding out more about the Buddy Project, either because you'd like to become a Buddy, or because you're in need of a Buddy right now, please get in touch with I'm all Ears at hello@imallears.community.

Purchase tickets for the I’m all Ears Christmas Fundraising event

This promises to be a fantastic night out. Live music, Frankie’s Fish & Chips, a bar and raffle await those attending, all raising money for a great cause. Other sponsors for the event include Heart and Home and Grayshott Pottery. Purchase your tickets here.

Donate a raffle prize

If you are a local business and would like to support the work that I’m all Ears do, you can donate a prize for their Christmas raffle which will be drawn on the evening of their Christmas party. Please contact Clare at at clare@imallears.community if you can help.

Make a donation via GoFundMe

I’m all ears relies on grants and donations to continue their work. Since it was set up, the demand for their services has grown. Whilst they have secured some vital funding from various sources - Hampshire County Council, Waverley Council, Community Foundation for Surrey, Tesco and Coop to name a few, as well as private donations from both businesses and private individuals - this alone is not sufficient to cover all costs. As a result, they need to raise additional funding through individual donations and through fundraising activities. Why not join other local businesses and organisations such as Bel and the Dragon, The Mill, The Fox and Pelican and Grayshott Primary school who are all supporters of I’m all ears. You can make a donation here. 

Help with Fundraising

The I’m all ears team are always keen for an extra pair of hands to help with fundraising and / or marketing. If you would like to help them, please do get in touch. Or, if you’re a business looking for a local good cause to support, then please do get in touch with Clare at clare@imallears.community. She would love to hear from you.