Inspired by the United Nations International Day of Friendship on the 30th July and in recognition of the importance of friendship and kindness in our daily lives.
Running from Monday 28 July 2025, the Dumfries and Galloway Celebration of Friendship will be a week-long celebration bringing people together to enjoy coffee, cake and conversations, with inspiring tales of kindness and friendship that we hope will help spark new friendships and be the catalyst for ongoing acts of kindness in Dumfries and Galloway.
The initiative, organised by A Listening Ear is designed to encourage everyone to acknowledge those who have been there for them in their time of need, but more importantly to consider how they could change lives through small acts of kindness and friendship.
With a growing demand for adult befriending services in the region, we are gradually extending our reach throughout Dumfries and Galloway.
As part of our commitment to host the D&G Celebration of Friendship in 2025 we will be
- holding ‘Friendly Cup’ sessions for the public in North West Castle Stranraer on 29th July and in The Usual Place in Dumfries on 30th July
- hosting private Friendly Cup sessions in Care Homes in Newton Stewart, Castle Douglas and Annan
- encouraging others to host their own Friendly Cup events in cafes, community venues, workplaces and care homes
- inviting everyone to perform some other act of kindness during and/or after D&G Celebration of Friendship
In the lead up to the first D&G Celebration of Friendship in July, the team at A Listening Ear are also delighted to launch the Liz Arkless Award for Friendship.
We hope that individuals, organisations and communities will support the D&G Celebration of Friendship and will continue to make a difference to the lives of others through small acts of kindness and friendship.
Anyone who would like to get involved in the D&G Celebration of Friendship can find out more and register their interest following the links. Events are free to attend, but registration in advance is essential.