Befriender

Befrienders are carefully selectedvolunteers, from a variety of organisations and mental health charities, who are trained to provide support and companionship to lonely, or emotionally distressed, people. Befrienders will usually visit for an hour or so per week. The meeting is usually arranged to suit the person's needs, either at home, or at a neutral venue. Some befriending schemes include social events, creative classes, or self-help groups.

Training can take upwards of 10 weeks before a befriender is allocated a case. During the befriending process, continuous support is provided, through regular group meetings and individual meetings with a coordinator. Befrienders assignments are chosen on the basis of ethnicity, gender (normally same sex as the person requiring help), age and specific needs of the befriendee.

Unlike professional carers, such as social workers, befrienders can become emotionally involved with their case, which often results in a more positive outcome as they are able to engage at a much deeper level.

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Wikipedia