Befrienders are carefully selected [1] volunteers, from a variety of organisations and mental health charities, who are trained to provide support and companionship to lonely, or emotionally distressed, people. [2] Befrienders will usually visit for an hour or so per week. [3] The meeting is usually arranged to suit the person's needs, either at home, or at a neutral venue. Some befriending schemes include social events, creative classes, or self-help groups. [2]
Training can take upwards of 10 weeks before a befriender is allocated a case. [4] During the befriending process, continuous support is provided, through regular group meetings and individual meetings with a coordinator. [3] Befrienders assignments are chosen on the basis of ethnicity, gender (usually the same sex as the person requiring help [2]), age and needs of the person requiring help. [5]
Unlike professional careers, such as social workers, befrienders can become emotionally involved with their case, which often results in a more positive outcome as they are able to engage at a much deeper level. [6]
Befrienders are carefully selected [1] volunteers, from a variety of organisations and mental health charities, who are trained to provide support and companionship to lonely, or emotionally distressed, people. [2] Befrienders will usually visit for an hour or so per week. [3] The meeting is usually arranged to suit the person's needs, either at home, or at a neutral venue. Some befriending schemes include social events, creative classes, or self-help groups. [2]
Training can take upwards of 10 weeks before a befriender is allocated a case. [4] During the befriending process, continuous support is provided, through regular group meetings and individual meetings with a coordinator. [3] Befrienders assignments are chosen on the basis of ethnicity, gender (usually the same sex as the person requiring help [2]), age and needs of the person requiring help. [5]
Unlike professional careers, such as social workers, befrienders can become emotionally involved with their case, which often results in a more positive outcome as they are able to engage at a much deeper level. [6]