BEfriend
28 Nov 2024 ·
Volunteer Befriender: Linked Minds (Ealing and Hounslow)
Closing for application : 31 Dec 2025Our Linked Minds Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow due to a diagnosed mental health problem. This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.
Skills:
Age:
18 - 100
When:
Flexible
Where:
Onsite
On successful completion of specialist mental health training, the Befriender is matched with someone suitable, by a Co-ordinator who then acts as a (non-clinical) supervisor for the befriending period, which is limited to a year. (Where applicable, this can count towards continuous professional development).
Befriender, client and supervisor make a plan together with a goal to work towards, and the Befriender makes a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea, go out for a walk together, visit a cafe or undertake a local activity.
These visits make such a difference for the client, increasing their confidence and helping them explore and work towards getting a job, joining a club, meeting other people or whatever their goal may be.
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.
But volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.
As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.
To apply:
Our application form is here. The form is very short and, after applying, you will receive an email straight away inviting you to book an interview.
Becoming a Befriender:
Befriender, client and supervisor make a plan together with a goal to work towards, and the Befriender makes a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client's home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea, go out for a walk together, visit a cafe or undertake a local activity.
These visits make such a difference for the client, increasing their confidence and helping them explore and work towards getting a job, joining a club, meeting other people or whatever their goal may be.
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.
But volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards.
As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.
To apply:
Our application form is here. The form is very short and, after applying, you will receive an email straight away inviting you to book an interview.
Becoming a Befriender:
You’ll have an informal interview with a Befriending Coordinator, who will answer any questions you might have, then follow-up two character references and arrange your training and an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, the cost of which is covered by BEfriend.
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.
Supervision:
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).
To find out more:
Visit https://befriend.london/volunteer/