Befriending by any other name?

[BefriendingNetworks]

I hope our discussions on befriending have inspired you this week. Sometimes the word Befriending can have negative connotations or can sound too one sided so finally I would like to ask if you can think of an alternative or fun name for a befriending service eg Gig Buddies is a great example. Here are a few examples from our members: Buddies, Chat Buddies, Community Friends, Community Companions, Blether Buddies (Scottish!), Phone Pals, A Listening Ear and Side by Side Companion. I would like to hear your thoughts on what the word befriending means to you.

[Sarah_Mencap]

Thank you for all your wonderful posts Diane. We've loved finding out more about befriending.

If anyone has any questions for Mencap about befriending have a look here - mencap.org.uk/get-involved/...

You can also get in touch if you want to know:

>> what befriending options are available in your area

>> more about befriending volunteer opportunities.

Email [e-mail] and tell us who you are (e.g. an individual, family member, carer, an organisation or professional), where you live and what you are interested in (e.g. support, being a befriending volunteer).

Thanks again Diane

Cheers

Sarah

[Teddster]

I would like to become a befriender how do I volunteer

[BefriendingNetworks Expert in reply to Teddster]

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.