Befriending Scheme

The Befriending Scheme has been running now for many years.

Our main aim is to support people with mental health difficulties who live in the community but feel lonely and isolated and lack confidence in social settings.

Specially recruited and trained volunteers work towards supporting a client to access activities independantly within our community.

We work closely with mental health professionals to provide this support.

Please contact us for more information

How it all works

We expect the volunteer to meet weekly with the client, building up trust and confidence through continuity and appreciation of individual needs.
A Befriender will work with the client, considering individual needs, to enable social incusion by encouraging him/her to access activities within Mind and/or the community.
There may be cause to change the arrangement for a variety of reasons (e.g. non-compatibility, change of circumstances). We try to avoid this as continuity is beneficial to all concerned.

Getting on the scheme

We accept referrals from professional or potential clients at any time.

Initial contact may be made by telephone but a completed referral form is needed in all instances.

The Scheme Coordinator meets the possible client at home and discusses with him/her precisely what their needs are and how the scheme will help to meet these needs.

If the Befriending Scheme is appropriate, the client will be introduced to the volunteer befriender and support will commence.

Arrangements are closely monitored and are reviewed every three months.

Befriending Scheme