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.

YouthBorders LEAD Awards Win!

https://vimeo.com/1201741709 Our Kelso & Coldstream Drama group were thrilled to win the Best Performance Award in the YouthBorders LEAD Awards yesterday. The award was for their production of the Coldstream Cabaret Club, created in partnership with Borders...

Organisation of the Year

Interest Link was thrilled to be awarded Organisation of the Year at the YouthBorders LEAD Awards at Tweed Horizons on 10th June 2025. The awards recognized contributions to the youth sector in the Scottish Borders and were part of a "Celebration of Youth Work"...

Charmian Challenge 2025

This year's Challenge took place on a lovely sunny day at The Haining on 26th April.  The event celebrates the life of the late Charmian Ledsham, a keen runner and a director of Interest Link Borders for over 20 years. Charmian was passionate about Interest Link’s...

Alchemy in Hawick

Our Roxburgh branch recently put on a performance of new musical pieces at Heart of Hawick in partnership with Alchemy Film & Arts and musician Miwa...

Friendship Day 2024

The 2024 Friendship Day on 5th October saw a record-breaking 90 members and volunteers meet at Langlee Community Centre for arts, crafts and drama...

Summer Revue 2024

Central Borders Branch put on a Sumer Revue at Selkirk High School in June, with premieres of the Jock McBond and Lindarella films and smashing musical numbers and sketches. See the photos at...

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

“Seeing my friends makes me feel happy."

“Always felt safe in the group.”

“I am not so shy”

“I feel valued”

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

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

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

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.