Befriending
Description
A befriender is asked to offer approximately one to two hours a week and is willing to give support and friendship to the service user on a regular basis. The needs of the befriended person dictate the requirements of the befriender, but the aim of the scheme is to help and encourage isolated people to regain a social life and be more confident.
Priority may be given to those who live alone and unsupported in the community. Links can be open-ended or for a fixed term, as is most appropriate for the needs of service users.
Generally people of the same sex are linked together for the support of the service user. This can take time to find a suitable befriender to link to the service user.
“I think the Befriending scheme is amazing! One of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences I have ever done. I have loved spending time with W and helping her to do the things she finds hard. It was great to see her new flat and chat about how much has happened in just the short time I have been seeing her.
I also wanted to let you know how good I thought the mental health first aid course was and that I have used it a lot!”
Joining
We are urgently seeking new volunteers to become befrienders for this expanding service.
contact us for further information.
