Become a Befriender
If you want to become a befriender, you don't need to be a professional or have previous experience. All you will be asked to do is to be available for one hour a week for a period of one year. You will provide companionship and support to the person you have been assigned to. In your weekly meetings you can talk about their experiences over a cup of tea or take part in social activity together.
What qualities should I have?
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Warmth and sensitivity
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Reliability
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Ability to listen
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Ability to communicate easily
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Ability to learn from experience
The befriending scheme runs a compulsory induction and training programme for all potential volunteers. Once matched with a service user, the scheme provides ongoing support and regular supervision. Volunteers can claim out-of-pocket travel expenses.
What do I get from being a befriender?
Voluneering as a befriender is a great opportunity to help the residents in your local area. By meeting one person for a year, you can see the progress in their recovery and the positive impact you have made on their life.
Nowadays, volunteering is also seen as a great addition to your CV, which indicates your social awareness, willingness to help others and interests outside of work. Previous volunteers have moved onto paid work in the field or have gone on to further training in a related area. For others, time spent volunteering was the detail which made them stand out in the jobseekers crowd to get the job in unrelated fields.
If you are interested in becoming a befriender, please download an application form and email it to befriending3@brentmind.org.uk or call us on 020 7604 5177 for more information.
