Want to know more about befriending?

[Mencap_online_comms]

It's Befriending Week - have a look at our online event here:

healthunlocked.com/mencap/p...

Diane, from Befriending Networks, is around all week with more information.

Please ask a question, or let us know if you have taken part in a befriending scheme - either as a befriender, or someone who benefited from a having a befriender.

[BefriendingNetworks Expert]

For anyone who is interested in becoming a befriender, here are some tips:

There are several ways of becoming a befriender. You could look at the directory on our website befriending.co.uk/directory/ or you could go to the volunteering page on the mencap website to see if your local Mencap branch has a befriending service mencap.org.uk/get-involved/... or you could try your local voluntary or community hub. As we've discussed this week, befriending can take many forms and you may wish to volunteer for a national charity and help on their phoneline or you may like to keep it local within your immediate area. It very much depends on they type of client group you want to support and what is available locally. Many of us are already 'befriending' without realising we are doing it. Just supporting a neighbour or someone local to you is still making a difference if you did not want to go down the formal volunteering route. I hope this helps and good luck.