We know that loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age and whatever their family situation. It is possible to feel alone even if you have friends and family around you, sometimes it really helps to talk to someone new who can just listen and support.

Our community befriending service teams up befrienders with people who often find it hard to cope, to manage day to day matters or to take an active part in community life. We support people with mental health issues, to connect to the services and support they need to manage living independently and to build social and community networks and activities in order to foster social inclusion and improve quality of life.

What do we do?

We will support you with basic household tasks, such as doing shopping or cooking together, help with attending appointments, going to the gym or other leisure activities, or just going for a coffee and a chat. The activities are many and varied and will be agreed at the initial assessment meeting.

Befrienders work with you to help you to keep safe, be better connected and engaged with the care you need and to develop your connections with the community and mainstream services. They will help you to better manage your health and wellbeing, to make the most of your talents and strengths, to build up your confidence and skills and to lead the life you want to lead.

In order to ensure that you get the best from the support and can engage in activities of your choice, meetings with or visits from your befriender will be for at least two hours.

Who is it for?

The service is for anyone with serious or long standing mental health problems. You will be required to pay for the service either from your own resources or by accessing a social care personal budget. There is an hourly rate for the service.

How much does it cost?

£17.95 per hour. The costs of any activities or travel undertaken by the client and the befriender during the session will incur an additional cost.

Contact details and times

To find our more email [email protected]

This service is available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm

Interested in becoming a befriender?

We have a rolling recruitment for new Community Befrienders, if you want to find out more, please go to Work For Us page.