Our core Befriending Project supports people who are isolated and sometimes housebound. They may have a physical or sensory disability, or they may have mild dementia. Our Linked Minds Befriending project provides specialist one-to-one befriending for adults who are isolated because of a diagnosed mental health problem. Volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, but also offers immense personal rewards. As a volunteer, you’ll befriend inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection., Our Linked Minds Befriending Project supports people who are socially isolated in Ealing and Hounslow due to a diagnosed mental health problem This is an opportunity to become a Befriender. On successful completion of specialist mental health training, the Befriender is matched with someone suitable, by a Co-ordinator who then acts as a (non-clinical) supervisor for the befriending period, which is limited to a year. (Where applicable, this can count towards continuous professional development). Befriender, client and supervisor make a plan together with a goal to work towards, and the Befriender makes a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client’s home, where they might stay in and chat over a cup of tea, go out for a walk together, visit a café or undertake a local activity. These visits make such a difference for the client, increasing their confidence and helping them explore and work towards joining a club, meeting other people or whatever their goal may be. The aim is that, by the end of the year, clients feel better about themselves, more valued, resilient, empowered, more linked to their community and better equipped for their journeys in recovery. But volunteering with BEfriend not only enriches the lives of those who are isolated, it also offers immense personal rewards. As a Befriender, you’ll get to know inspirational people with fascinating stories, develop new skills and be part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.