Befriending Case Studies
I have found a really good friend!
A lady in her 70’s with a history of mental illness living alone who felt that her family did not understand her condition. Whilst doing some voluntary work part time she was looking for companionship to occupy her time at particular times of the week.
She has met with her befriender for 12 months, they meet once a week for one hour for a coffee and a chat. Her feedback on the scheme is as follows;
‘I wasn’t so sure at first but now I have found a really good friend it is excellent. If everyone gets a befriender as good as I have they should be very pleased. It has been excellent for me, I have found a really good friend!’.
The volunteer befrienders feedback is as follows;
‘Befriending for me, gives me something to do that’s for me, that’s nothing to do with my children and my caring role I have with them. I do look forward to meeting with her each week and hearing what she’s been up to. When she’s well she has a wonderful sense of humour! We often spend two hours together because we just chatting and time just flies by!’
‘Befriending is such a worthwhile and fulfilling thing to do. Sometimes, people with mental health problems just need a friend. A friend who won’t judge them, a friend who won’t criticise them, a friend who is completely impartial in every way, a friend who will just listen when they need it the most. For anyone who enjoys a cup of tea, slice of cake, and a good chat, befriending will be for them! ‘
It has given me that gentle nudge forward
A male in his 30’s who has suffered with anxiety, post traumatic stress and recently diagnosed with autism.For the last six months, he meets with a male befriender on a weekly basis and they go for a walk and a chat. His feedback on the scheme is as follows;
‘Meeting with the befriending coordinator and the befriender for the introductory meeting I was very nervous but they were both so kind, understanding and helped me feel at ease. The service is the best mental health support I have found over the last year. Thank you, It has been very beneficial meeting someone similar with shared interests. It has given me that gentle push forward’.
The volunteer befrienders feedback is as follows;
‘Participating with Mind has bought me huge personal meaning and a wonderful range of new friends. I truly recommend people to get involved and become a part of this wonderful organisation.’
Extremely happy with the service, it’s an important part of my week!
A female in her 50’s living alone who has struggled to attend groups and requires support to build her self-confidence.
For 12 months she has met her befriender for a coffee and a chat. Her feedback on the scheme is as follows;
‘I have benefited tremendously; I have an excellent relationship with my befriender. It’s an important part of my week. My befriender listens to me and cares about what I say. I am very appreciative and very happy how things are going. It’s so much better than I expected!’
The feedback from the volunteer is as follows;
‘Just listen don’t judge and take small steps at a time. Be yourself as they do need to trust you. The service can be a lifeline for people receiving the service. Mind in Harrogate provide excellent support and training for volunteers.’
The scheme helps me reduce my anxiety, a very important part of my week!
A male in his 70’s living alone with mental and physical health issues.For 12 months he has now met a female befriender for a coffee and a chat. His feedback is as follows;
‘This is a very important part of my week, I like being able to meet up with someone who can listen and we can chat in a normal environment (café). The scheme is really helping me get out and reduce my anxiety, be more confident and also helping me practically too’.
Through communication and dialogue the befriending co-ordinator and the volunteer have assisted in signposting the individual to other services to support him with work required within his home that he was not capable of undertaking alone as well as support to address his physical health issues with his GP.
The feedback from the volunteer is as follows;
‘I like meeting up and having interesting conversations with my befriendee. I’m happy to be able to help someone and feel well supported in my befriending role.’