Befriending

Befriending is a relationship between a volunteer befriender and a befriendee which operates within a structural framework. This is usually a time limited relationship which enables a person to widen their own social network, increase independence and make informed choices, so enabling them to live life to the full.

Who is the service For?

People over 18 with mental health difficulties and may:

Why Become a Befriender?

Isolation is a common problem for people suffering from mental illness. Research has shown support and social interaction is vital for people recovering from mental ill health.

But people with mental health difficulties are often cut off from family and friends because of their condition.

The stigma around mental illness can often mean that those with a mental illness struggle to reach out to people around them. This can create a vicious cycle - where people with mental health problems are isolated within the community even though they need support and friendship to help them get well.

Please contact North Dublin Befriending at:

Interested in Volunteering?

Could you give a few hours a week to become a “Befriender”?
Could you help someone who is feeling isolated?

How Can You Help?

By giving 2-4 hours per week to spend time with someone doing things like:

If you are interested and would like to:

... then we would be delighted to hear from you.

Volunteers

• Volunteer Befriending can play a valuable part in helping someone who has experienced mental health difficulties to live life to the full.
• Volunteers will be asked to undergo preparatory training and commit to six months - 2 to 4 hours per week to the service.
• Initially the service will be on a one to one basis. Clients and volunteers will be matched on the basis of their shared interests and hobbies.
• Volunteers can help in our one to one service or our social club.
• Volunteers are given preparatory training which includes mental health awareness, confidentiality and listening skills. Ongoing training, support and supervision is seen as an essential part of the service and is provided by the Coordinator.