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WHAT IS BEFRIENDING?
In an organisational sense befriending is a term used to help present the differences between what is a service and what is a friendship. It relates to the provision of a supported relationship between a volunteer and service user which is initiated, monitored and supervised by a third party (in this case the Co-ordinator and AMHA).
The main difference between the two relationships is that friendships are private mutual arrangements. Befriending on the other hand, is a supportive relationship offered to vulnerable people finding community living difficult. These relationships have strict boundaries and guidelines to help ensure that all involved are safeguarded. This should in turn help service users to develop trusting relationships which can assist confidence, self-esteem and recovery.
As befriending aims to provide people with a platform on which to move forward it can be time limited and will depend upon the agreed needs of the individual. This aside, all befriending matches are reviewed every 3 months (3-Way Review meetings which involve the service user, volunteer and Co-ordinator).
HOW YOU CAN ACCESS THE SERVICE
To access befriending you must be referred by an agency offering you ongoing support. Befriending should be a component of your overall care package. By operating a referral only policy it means that in an emergency or crisis we can contact whoever has referred you and advise them of your circumstances. This is essential as those involved in delivering befriending do not take on a key-worker role
It should therefore be noted that whilst the service employs a confidentiality policy, the Co-ordinator and volunteers are obliged to share information on a need-to-know basis. Should you wish to disclose information while you are within the service you should then be aware of this as we may be duty-bound to pass this information on should we consider you or others to be at risk. Wherever possible we would advise you of our intentions.
This aside, should you wish to be considered for befriending, discuss the matter with your key-worker or local Community Mental Health Team (CMHT), who can access the information and referral form on your behalf . You may also wish to speak directly with the service Co-ordinator (see contact details).Once a referral has been made on your behalf and received by AMHA, the Co-ordinator will acknowledge receiving this in writing and make arrangements to visit you for assessment purposes. Prior to this we may need to obtain further information from the agency that refers you. You will be assessed in accordance with the set criteria adopted by the service and this will form the basis of your assessment.
SERVICE CRITERIA
The individual should be:
Aged 18-65 and reside in Angus; Suffering from severe and/or enduring mental health needs; Living in the community or due to be discharged; Identified as socially isolated and find group situations difficult or impossible; Committed and desire to participate in the service; Receiving ongoing support from at least one other agency, preferably the referring agent (if this is not the case a willing point of reference for the service should be given); Referred by an external agency.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS THERE A WAITING PERIOD?
Yes, as suggested you are likely to experience a waiting period before you are matched with a volunteer. This can vary and will depend upon your needs and the availability of a suitable volunteer. We aim to offer you a potential match within 6 months of assessment. Generally speaking you will be matched with a same-sex volunteer, however consideration can be given to a mixed-sex match. You will be consulted on the latter and this will only be considered with the agreement of all parties concerned
IS THE SERVICE FREE?
The service is free to access as it is funded by the Mental Illness Specific Grant (MISG) awarded by Angus Social Work on behalf of the Scottish Executive. However, you may need to consider budgeting for activity that you decide to undertake while with your befriender (for example, the cost of a cinema ticket). Whilst the service reimburses volunteers for out-of-pocket expenses we are unable to pay for your expenses. In part this is because once you leave the service you will have such considerations as part of everyday life.
WILL THE SERVICE BENEFIT ME?
The benefits of befriending can vary and will depend upon the participants involved. Befriending is a two-way exchange between people and will involve compromise as would any relationship. Nevertheless, the benefits can be great. They include:
- A feeling of self-worth
- Time out from your normal routine
- Growing confidence
- A safe and trusting relationship
- Support
- Fun
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