Befriending

What is befriending?

Isolation is a common problem for people suffering from mental health difficulties. Research has shown that support and social interaction are vital for people recovering from mental health problems. But people with mental health difficulties are often cut off from family and friends because of the nature of their condition. The stigma around mental health difficulties means that sufferers can struggle to reach out to people around them. This can create a vicious cycle – where people with mental health problems are isolated within the community even though they need support and friendship to help them get well.

Befriending projects hope to bring people together for positive, supportive relationships that will reduce the isolation often felt by those with mental health difficulties.

Befriending is a relationship between a volunteer and a recipient which is initiated, supported and monitored by the local Mental Health Association.

How can befriending meet the needs of people with mental health difficulties?

• By supporting the befriendee to achieve their own personal goals (e.g. using public transport, socialising in public etc.)
• By providing an opportunity for the befriendee to have support in participating and developing their interests and hobbies.
• By supporting the befriendee to access community resources such as training and education.

How often will the befriendee and the befriender meet?

This can be arranged at the first meeting with the befriendee / befriender / coordinator. It may suit both the befriendee and befriender to meet weekly or every two weeks for one or two hours – this arrangement can be reviewed after three or four meetings). If the meeting time needs to be changed or if either party is running late the co-ordinator should be contacted in advance.

Project support for befriendees:

At the initial meeting between befriender coordinator and befriendee, a date will be agreed for the first review meeting where any issues can be raised by the befriendee in relation to the project.  The project welcomes feedback from the befriendee, and at any stage the befriendee can contact the coordinator by phone, letter or through his/her representative.  The befriendee will be encouraged to participate in the ongoing development of the project (if it is their wish to Development Officer so).

BEFRIENDING IS / IS NOT

Befriending is:

• Spending time together regularly
• Giving individual attention and support
• Helping people to help themselves
• Encouraging choice
• Being a good listener
• Helping to reduce social isolation
• Having fun

Befriending is not:

• Trying to solve all the befriendee’s problems
• Making judgments about lifestyle and behaviour
• Counselling or therapy
• Being a babysitter or home help or a driver
• Feeling responsible for the befriendee’s decisions or actions
• Giving advice that is not asked for
• Creating a dependency on you.

WHO THE SERVICE IS FOR:

Those over 18 years of age, living in the community and experiencing mental health difficulties.

Those who feel isolated and find it hard to socialise

Those who would like to make new friends and try new things

Those who wish to develop new interests and hobbies

Those who wish to improve their social life

Befrienders

What we are / (are not)

We are Befrienders (not intimate friends)

We are Supportive (not seeking support)

We are Interested (not nosey, gossips or exploitative)

We are Empowering / Non Directive (not experts, teachers, pharmacists, counsellors, doctors, family members, parent, authoritative, supervisors)

We are facilitators – encouraging personal growth

We are honest