Volunteer services : RealLiving befriending service

RealLiving befriending service

RealLiving is the befriending service of LinkLiving. It recruits, supports and trains volunteers to befriend people who have mental health issues. This can help people achieve a greater independence and quality of life.

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How does it work?

By meeting with a befriender regularly, people who use RealLiving can benefit from reduced social isolation. They initially spend time getting to know their befriender by chatting over coffee and building a relationship.

How they then decide to spend their time together depends on the what the person needs from the service. It might involve activities in the local community but sometimes just having someone there to listen is enough.

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Referral

People can refer themselves or be referred by a social service, community psychiatric nurse or anyone who is involved in the person's continuing support and care, as long and the person gives their consent.

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About our befrienders

All our befrienders are open-minded about mental health issues and treat others with courtesy and respect.

All volunteers must provide two references, undergo an enhanced disclosure check and complete a comprehensive induction before meeting the person they are going to befriend.

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Downloads

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