East Lothian Befriending Scheme
What does befriending involve?
What are the benefits for volunteers?
Could you be a volunteer Befriender?
What is a Befriending Scheme?
East Lothian Befriending Scheme helps adults who are isolated due to health or disability to become more involved in their local community by matching them with a volunteer befriender who meets with them on a regular basis to take part in an activity that they both enjoy.
What does befriending involve?
To make people aware of their role as a Befriender, volunteers are asked to take part in a short preparation course which is designed to build upon existing skills and personal qualities. Two references are required and volunteers are asked to undergo an enhanced disclosure check. Befrienders are asked to give a six month commitment to the project.
On completion of training and checks, Befrienders are then matched with someone according to similar interests. They then arrange to meet up on a regular basis to take part in a range of social activities enjoyable to both. This might include a trip to the cinema, a game of snooker, bowling, golf, shopping, local walks, bingo or home visiting people who are housebound.
Befriending helps people by:
- Reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Increasing confidence and self-esteem.
- Improving relationship skills.
- Increasing motivation.
- Developing a sense of belonging within the community.
What are the benefits for volunteers?
- Meet new people
- Gain experience
- Make a valuable contribution to the community
- Ongoing support from the project
- All expenses paid
- Get a reference
Could you be a volunteer Befriender?
Befrienders can make a real difference to the lives of people who are struggling to cope with loneliness and isolation. Befrienders come from all walks of life and can be anyone over the age of 18 who has the skills and commitment to help others. A few hours a week can make a real difference to someone who is socially isolated!
We hold regular preparation courses throughout the year, so if you would like to find out more, contact Myra Waugh on 01620 829036 or email: befriending@vdel.co.uk
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