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Befriending
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The purpose of the scheme is to reduce loneliness and isolation among older people living in Monifieth who are socially isolated because of illness, disability or some difficulties in their life. The scheme now also offers a befriending service for recently bereaved people of any age living in Monifieth.
Objectives of befriending
Our volunteer befrienders undergo screening and initial training, attend monthly drop-in sessions, receive ongoing support and supervision, and additional ad-hoc training. They spend time getting to know the client and provide company and friendship in a way that suits their particular circumstances. Visits are normally once a week, for approximately 2 hours. |
Quotes from clients
“I think what Monifieth Befriending Scheme is doing is wonderful” “I’m already looking forward to the next visit”
“I feel really at ease with her – we never stop talking!”
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Befriending is: spending time together regularly, giving individual attention and support, helping people to help themselves, being a good listener, helping to reduce social isolation, and having fun.
Befriending is NOT: trying to solve the client's problems, making judgements about lifestyle and behaviour, counselling or therapy, being a homehelp or a driver, feeling responsible for the client's decisions or actions, giving advice that is not asked for, or creating a dependency on you.
Some of the positive changes that can happen when someone is befriended are: self confidence is raised, trust is built, isolation is reduced, independence is increased for the client, involvement in new activities within their own community is increased, decision-making is promoted so the client can ask for help from more appropriate places or people, and relationships with family/carers/other professionals can improve.
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