In our communities there are countless young people that would benefit from guidance and a mentor. At the same time there are many seniors that need companionship in our communities. What do you get when you combine the two? Profound opportunities for healthier, happier young people, seniors, and communities.
Today’s young people face many challenges, and too often are forced to try to navigate these obstacles alone. Today’s senior people, meanwhile, have faced many of those challenges and overcome them, and yet have no means through which to share their experiences. Befriending offers the perfect opportunity for the young and senior adults to connect and benefit in unique ways. Not only do young people gain access to the support they need, but seniors also thrive when given the chance to make a difference, learn new skills in this rapidly changing world.
Our Mind The Gap befriending programme offers supportive, reliable relationships through volunteer befrienders to people who would otherwise be socially isolated or could benefit from a mentor. This project focuses on bringing younger and senior people together to break down barriers and find out what they have in common in a fun, safe and interactive way.
The results of befriending can be very significant. Befriending often provides people with a new direction in life, opens a range of activities and leads to increased self-esteem and self-confidence.
By signing up to become a befriender, you are joining a national mission to reduce social isolation and loneliness amongst our communities and guide the younger generation. Regular social interaction can help to build confidence, self-esteem and structure for someone, amongst many other positive outcomes.
- Someone who is interested in other people
- Someone who is a good listener
- Someone one who is reliable
- Someone who could commit to volunteering 1-3 hours each week
Each befriending partnership will last for 12 weeks whereby the young and senior person will connect on a weekly basis (and more if they wish to do so). The way they connect is up to each partnership. This can be telephone call, meeting up for coffee, meal, visiting different heritage sites, walk in the park, museum or any activity that that is acceptable within the partnership and within the financial budget assigned to each session.
Each befriender will complete initial registration, interview and DBS disclosure. You will also have the opportunity to attend mental health and person centred counselling skills training to help you become the best befriender you can be!
We aim to make the process of becoming a befriender smooth and offer support at each stage. The process is outlined below but please feel free to contact us should you have any questions or concerns.
Contact us
Complete the registration form found on our website. Let us know about your professional experience, qualifications and why you want to be become a befriender.
Interview
After receiving your registration form, we’ll contact you to arrange an interview. It’s really an informal chat over coffee or the phone to help us match you in a suitable partnership.
DBS disclosure
If successful we will invite you to come back and fill in a DBS disclosure form.
Matching
Befrienders are matched based on several factors including profession, interests and location and language.
Meeting
We will arrange for the project coordinator to introduce you to your young person/senior person and break the ice. In this meeting you will get to know each other, swap contact details, and arrange where and how often you plan to meet.
Over to you
From here, you will work on building a relationship with your match and supporting their progression.
Support
The project team are here to support your journey and encourage you to keep in regular contact with the project coordinator. Young befrienders will also receive a log in for the befrienders area.
Questions or queries?
Contact us at info@aishahhelp.com
Funded by:
