Befriending - more than just tea and chat, so many more ways to connect.

[BefriendingNetworks]

Following on from yesterday’s post, I’d like to discuss all the different types of befriending such as:

•Face to Face Befriending on a one to one basis

•Telephone Befriending

•Email, Text, Messenger or WhatsApp messages – these are useful as they can include pictures of things to discuss or to show each other.

•Group Befriending – sadly not able to take place at present but normally a good way of getting to know a wider range of people in a supportive environment

•Peer Befriending - This is where people with similar conditions, experiences or interests support each other in a mutual way

•Penpals - A lovely way of keeping in touch with regular letters, postcards, photos, magazine cuttings, poems, pictures etc. Great for intergenerational work.

What do you think are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the above types of befriending? Do some suit certain age groups? Would a mixture of these work for you?

[Sarah_Mencap]

I love the idea of penpals.

In case you haven't seen Gig Buddies here is a great video about them

youtu.be/kUPAHhjOCvw(Not working as expected?)

Here is the webpage where you can find out more about the project - mencap.org.uk/get-involved/...

Best wishes

Sarah

[BefriendingNetworks Expert in reply to Sarah_Mencap]

That is such a happy, positive video Sarah. It's so lovely to see how both parties get so much out of the relationships and how they have adapted to online activities and meetings but manage to keep the fun and interest going. Truly heartwarming and well put together.