Befriending Service

The Befriending scheme at Halfway will run for two years from November 2006 as a pilot project. It will provide one-to-one befriending support for adults living in Sheffield who have mental health problems and are socially isolated. The scheme was planned to meet a recognised need for this level and type of support within the city.

A befriender is defined as the following:

‘A befriender is a trained volunteer who offers their friendship within agreed limits or boundaries, to someone who is isolated or lonely.’

Aims of the service:

PREVENTION OF SOCIAL ISOLATION

MAINTAIN GOOD MENTAL HEALTH

FORM MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS

ACCESS COMMUNITY FACILITIES

ENABLE CLIENTS TO ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIAL

ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENCE AND RECOVERY

How does the service work?

The befrienders are volunteers, who receive comprehensive training and ongoing support and supervision. They will be given regular support and supervision and have a clear outline of their role. There are clear boundaries to the support befrienders can provide, for example they are not trained in counselling or advice work. Volunteer befrienders are expected to be available for a minimum of six months to work with individual clients.

Referrals

Clients can be referred from a variety of sources within Sheffield including Community Mental Health Teams, GP surgeries and voluntary sector organisations. The main criteria for referral are that the potential client has identified mental health problems, is significantly socially isolated and is living in Sheffield. Referrals forms are available from the office.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the Befriending Co-ordinator at the Halfway office, or fill in the form below.

First name:
Last name:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
Post code:
Phone:
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CAHH Ltd, 23 Filey Street, Sheffield, S10 2FG

Reg. No. 2648983 England and Wales

Reg. Charity No. 1005379