Befriending

What is Befriending?

Many people who have experienced mental health problems often loose the support of friends and family or feel unable to make friendships because of lack of self confidence. Bath Mind's Befriending Service aims to help by establishing one to one supportive relationships between a trained volunteer and people who are lonely and isolated.

Who are Befrienders?

Our befrienders are ordinary people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. Some people offer to become volunteers because they have experienced mental health problems themselves in the past or know someone who has been through the depression and isolation that mental ill health can bring.

Are Befrienders trained?

Bath Mind provides training and supervision for new volunteers, which they are expected to complete before they start working for Bath Mind as a befriender. During the early days of the relationship the Advocacy & Community Services Manager or Advocacy Administrator will keep in regular contact with you and your befriender offering support and advice. All relationships are monitored on a regular basis to ensure that all is well.

How often will I meet my Befriender?

Initially, we would expect that you would meet your befriender for an hour or so every week. When you both feel comfortable with each other, you will go on to make your own arrangements to suit yourselves, just like any friendship.

How are people matched?

We usually try to match people of the same sex and age although many successful relationships have been formed between people of different ages. We try to make sure that the two people have some interests in common so that the relationship has the best possible chance of success.

How long will the befriending last?

This will depend on you and your partner. You may find that you only need a relatively short relationship, or your friendship may last more long-term. The duration of the befriending will be by agreement between you and the befriender.

What if the befriending does not last?

We try hard to 'match' people successfully and most relationships are valued and enjoyed by both parties. If there are difficulties or problems on either side the Advocacy & Community Services Manager will offer help and support. If things do not feel right, either partner can withdraw and can be matched with someone else.

How can I get a Befriender?

Initially you can refer yourself by contacting the Advocacy Administrator. The Advocacy & Community Services Manager will need to contact your health care worker as part of the process and you can obtain a referral form for your GP, CPN or psychiatrist to fill out when you contact Bath Mind.