What is a Befriending Scheme?
Older people often find themselves socially isolated and lacking in confidence. The Boomerang Befriending Scheme aims to link volunteers with individuals like this who need friendship and community support. Volunteers can offer older people the type of support we all need from our friends at times. As a result, people who use the scheme will be given the opportunity to improve their quality of life and take part in activities which most of us take for granted. Befrienders will find themselves sharing a variety of experiences with the service users. These can range from simple things like being there as someone to talk to, through to activities and interests taking part within the community
What sort of people volunteer?
Volunteers are ordinary people who do a very special job. If you have a couple of hours a week to spare each week and can offer friendship and support to someone who has a long term mental health problem, you can act as a link between him or her and the local community. You do not need to have had any experience as training and support will be given by the befriending scheme co-ordinator.
What is more important is that you like meeting people and getting to know them, that you are reliable and that you have an open minded approach to different types of people. Enthusiasm and experience will also be of help to you as you develop your friendship with your partner.
You may have interests and skills, which you would like to share with someone else and you will find that through shared activities a mutually rewarding relationship can develop.
How much of a commitment do I have to make?
The amount of contact, which you have with the person you are befriending, is something, which you will work out between yourselves. You may visit them once a week for a cup of tea and a chat, you may accompany them to a regular activity or you may support them in something different each week. A couple of hours each week is all that is needed. However we do ask that once we have found a 'good match' for you, we would like you to act as a befriender for a minimum of 6 months.
How do I become involved?
There are three stages in volunteer recruitment. Firstly you can contact the Befriending Scheme Co-ordinators for an informal talk about the scheme to see of it is something you are interested in. Secondly you are asked to fill out a simple application for, third and final stage is an informal interview at the Boomerang Befriending Scheme office. You will then be invited to take part in induction training before meeting with a potential client.
How does the matching up process work?
People who want to use the service have also filled in a simple application form on which they have describes the ways in which a befriender could help them. To match a volunteer befriender and a service user we will be looking for compatibility and possibly shared interests. If either of you have specified a particular age range or sex of your partner this will also be taken into account. When trying to find a match it may take a little time, but it is worth it in order to give the new relationship every chance of success.
Meeting each other.
The Befriending Scheme Co-oridnator will go with you to the first meeting to introduce you to the service user. This meeting will take place somewhere the service user feels comfortable such as at home or over a coffee. If both parties feel they would like to meet each other again, the relationship should develop naturally at its own pace. Through taking and sharing experiences and activities the partnership will hopefully develop into a mutually rewarding friendship.
What sort of support will I get?
The Befriending Scheme Co-ordinators will keep in close touch with you in the first few weeks of your work as a befriender. This support will be ongoing and you will be encouraged to speak to them about any questions or issues you may have. You will meet with the co-ordinators once a month for supervision, this will give you the opportunity to reflect on things that have gone well or maybe not so well. To talk about any worries you may have. There will be monthly volunteer support group meeting, which will also give you the chance to meet with other people doing the same thing and to share experiences with each other.
Criteria for referral to Befriending Scheme
The Befriending Project offers support to older people aged 60+ living within the community, who are experiencing isolation and a lack of confidence. All befriending volunteers are over 18 years of age, have provided 2 references and undergone Disclosure Scotland at enhanced level. They must also successfully complete a training programme which prepares them for the befriending role. Volunteers also agree to provide a confidential service. Boomerang is happy to provide volunteer input to clients with physical disabilities but cannot be held responsible for the safety of clients who are not physically independent. Clients referred to the scheme should be able to get themselves to and from the desired location and should not be physically dependent on the volunteer whilst out.
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Flyer Befriending