Mind in Barnet provides befriending for adults over the age of 18, to offer support through friendship to those who feel lonely, isolated or socially excluded due to experiencing emotional or mental distress.  The aim is to bring about certain positive changes in their social life, at least for the duration they engage with the service.

What is Befriending?

When a person is in emotional or mental distress it can become difficult for them to form and sustain friendships.  This can result in the person becoming socially isolated or lacking in confidence.  This is where a befriender can bridge a gap.

Befriending in Mind in Barnet consists of two strands:

The Older Adults Befriending service is for older adults (65 year olds and over).  It involves a befriender meeting with someone on a one-to-one basis in their own homes as well as provides Group Befriending to residents at April Lodge in Hendon.

The Longer - Term Outreach is for Younger Adults (18 to 65 year olds).  This outreach service provides support in their own homes as well as help gain access in to local community facilities.

Who are Befrienders?

Befrienders are volunteers who want to be more actively involved in the community and / or have a good understanding of mental distress.  They are sympathetic and understanding of the befriendees’ needs, with good listening skills and time to spare.

How are befrienders selected?

Getting a Friend:

What would I do with a Befriender?

In the Community project, a  Befriender will meet with you on a one to one basis for an hour or so a week on a regular basis for a year or on a shorter term basis for up to 3 hours a week for 6 months.  A befriender will either visit you at your home to talk over a cup of tea or both of you could go for a walk in the park or pursue an activity which may be more appropriate for your need.

How long do I have to wait?

We believe it is important to match you with someone who we feel you will get on with and so it may take some time before the right person is found for you.  We very much hope you will get on, but if you feel the person is not right for you, we will find someone else.  Being matched with a befriender can take a few weeks to several months.  It depends on the number of befrienders available as well as the needs and preference of the befriendees.

How can I apply for a Befriender?

If you are interested in getting a befriender, you can self-refer or be referred by external agencies or GPs.  You must:

• Live in the Borough of Barnet
• Be aged 18 or over
• Be experiencing or have experienced mental health problem
• Be actively interested in having a befriender

If you think you would like a befriender, please telephone the Befriending Manager on:
020 8906 7502/3

Once we receive the referral, we will contact you to meet you at home to discuss your needs in more detail and answer any questions you may have.

Becoming a Befriender:

Becoming a befriender is about developing a trusting and caring relationship with someone who may be isolated or lacking in confidence as a result of a mental health problem.  Befriending is not an offer of a permanent friendship but is a limited commitment which focuses on helping the befriendee to regain a feeling of self worth and taking part in social activities together.

What are the personal qualities of a befriender?

The qualities we are looking for in befrienders include:

Who can become Befrienders?

People of all ages and backgrounds can become volunteer befrienders.  Befrienders are not professionals and previous experience is not necessary.
If you have valuable life skills to share and time to give or if you are looking for a way of developing skills and experience in voluntary work or if you had past personal experience of mental distress, we will train and support you to become a befriender.

How can I find out more about becoming a volunteer befriender?

Please contact the Befriending Manager for further details and an application pack on:
 0208 906 7502/3

What happens next?: