The Guardian Medical Centre befriending service is available to people registered at the Practice aged 18 years or over. If you are experiencing loneliness or isolation please speak with a member of the reception team in person or by phoning us and they will arrange for the befriending team to make contact with you. Our dedicated patient advisers on reception may also be able to help you with alternative projects or support options. If you are eligible for the service one of our befriending volunteers will be in touch with you within two weeks.
The aims of befriending are:
- To reduce social isolation
- To improve quality of life for people experiencing loneliness, illness or mental health difficulties
- To promote independence
- To build self-confidence and self-esteem
- To promote recovery
- To improve health and wellbeing
We do this by:
- Providing one to one support by our Befriending Volunteers
- Providing opportunities for social contact
- Encouraging participation in local activities or groups
- Encouraging peer support
Befriending is a relationship between a volunteer befriender and someone who is at risk of isolation or loneliness. A befriender will start to build a relationship with the person they are helping by:
- Taking time to get to know you
- Sharing interests and having a chat
- Listening to you and discussing anything that is worrying you
- Valuing your opinions and beliefs
- Helping you take short walks or other activities you may like to do
- Talking about any relevant experiences and any problems you have overcome, if appropriate
- Encouraging you to talk and think about ambitions or hopes for the future and planning the steps needed to achieve these
The time given by our volunteers can also give your family and carers a break.
One to one befriending – A befriender can visit you on a regular basis to enjoy some conversation and provide a listening ear which may include a cup of tea and a chat, a short stroll or playing cards or board games.
Telephone befriending – A free telephone befriending service offering companionship for isolated people through telephone contact. A befriender can call you regularly for a chat and a catch up, support and general conversation.
A befriender is not a substitute teacher, parent, social worker, coach or counsellor. Volunteer befrienders, however, can work very effectively alongside professional services in providing the best possible support for patients.