Are you interested in becoming a volunteer befriender?

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Would you like the opportunity to support someone experiencing mental health difficulties in a really beneficial way?

 

Befriending is a unique relationship. It gives the befriender the opportunity to provide companionship, support, encouragement and a listening ear to someone who really needs it. For the client having a befriender can be invaluable. It is designated time for them. A time to be heard. A time to think about their own needs. It also offers clients the opportunity to meet goals that they might not be able to achieve alone. The befriending relationship has the potential to be meaningful and fulfilling for both parties involved.

Volunteer befrienders also gain experience and skills in the mental health field. Some volunteers have gone on to do professional training within the mental health field.

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Activities will vary as they are tailor-made for each individual person (client) but may include:

 

> Visiting clients at home on a prearranged day, time and duration.

> Providing companionship by listening, talking, reading or sharing activities.

> Offering support whilst respecting a person’s independence.

> Facilitating opportunities for engagement in social activities within the community.

 

​We suggest meeting once a week for approximately 1 hour at a mutually agreed location. 

 

You will be given supervision to support you in this role and relevant befriender training. 

 

The team at Neshomo aim to give you ongoing support in this role through regular supervision and training.

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If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer befriender please contact us.

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What is required?

Personal details - You will be asked to provide a few personal details and tell us a bit about yourself so we can ensure we find a great match for you.

References - We will need two references from people who know you. We will send your references a short email or letter that should take about five minutes to complete.

Both refereers must have known you for three years or more, and must not be family member or partner.

You can use your current line manager as one of your refereers, in which case, they don't need to have known you for three years.

Please seek their permission and have their details ready when you sign up.

Interview - You will be asked to meet for an informal interview in person or optionally via zoom. This gives the Supervisor the opportunity to get to know you and for you to be able to ask any questions you may have about the role. The supervisor will talk you through our training module.

ID Check - You will be asked to complete a Disclosure and Barrier check (DBS) also know as police identity check. This is at no cost to you. The supervisor will advise you what is required and it is advisable to bring these / provide these at the interview stage.

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