Volunteer Befriender (Mental Health)
Start Date: 27/11/2024
Volunteer Befriender (Mental Health)
Our Linked Minds Befriending Project supports people in Ealing and Hounslow who are socially isolated because of a diagnosed mental health problem.
On successful completion of specialist mental health training, Befrienders are matched with a suitable client by a Befriending Coordinator who then acts as a (non-clinical) supervisor for the befriending period, which is limited to a year.
Befriender, client and Coordinator devise a plan together with a goal for the client to work towards, such as getting a job, joining a club, or meeting other people.
Befrienders make a weekly 1-2 hour visit, sometimes to the client’s home, where they might chat over a cup of tea or go out for a walk, sometimes at a café or other location. They might undertake a local activity together connected with a goal.
The aim is that, by the end of the year, clients feel better about themselves, more valued, resilient, empowered, more linked to their community and better equipped for their journeys in recovery.
These visits make such a difference for the client and, as a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills, gain experience of working with complex mental health needs and be part of a supportive team that values compassion, connection and safety.
DBS check arranged by, and cost covered by, BEfriend.
Agreed expenses reimbursed.
The training is split into convenient courses:
• Part 1: A short online course that can be completed in your own time.
• Part 2: A 3-hour facilitated session, either in-person or on Zoom, where you’ll be able to meet other volunteers.
• Part 3: An online Safeguarding Adults course.
• Part 4: A facilitated Mental Health Awareness session on Zoom.
We offer both one-to-one and group supervision:
• You will have one-to-one phone supervision at least once a month with the Coordinator.
• Participation in group supervision is optional but highly encouraged and is conducted in person with other volunteers every two months.
For those volunteering as part of a placement, Coordinators are happy to make special arrangements to adjust to specific requirements (for example the need for additional supervision, for submitting reports, etc).
Hounslow House
7 Bath Rd
Hounslow
TW3 3EB
TW3 3EB
Essential Skills
- Good listening and communication skills.
Desirable Skills
- Be passionate about supporting individuals affected by mental health problems to achieve life-changing goals.
- Be non-judgemental in your attitude towards your client.
- To see beyond the diagnosis to the person and to help your client feel valued.
- Be available once a week for up to two hours to visit your client.
- Be reliable and punctual when visiting your client, when returning your monthly monitoring forms and with any follow-up required for your client.
