Befriending

Cork Mental Health Foundation has recently set up a Befriending Project which is being piloted in the Togher/Ballyphehane area. The aim of the service is to foster independence, self-empowerment and reduce social isolation for people with mental health difficulties.

Befriending is a relationship between a volunteer befriender and a befriendee which operates within a structural framework. This is usually a time limited relationship which enables a person to widen their own social network, increase independence and make informed choices, so enabling better control of their day-to-day living.

The need for a befriending service was first identified by service users of the mental health services. Many found following discharge from in-patient care that they experienced social isolation in their home communities.

Volunteer Befriending can play a valuable part in helping someone who has experienced mental health difficulties to take more control of their lives.

Volunteers are given comprehensive training which includes mental health awareness, confidentiality and listening skills. Ongoing training support and supervision is seen as an essential part of the service and is provided by the Co-ordinator.

Pictured here with some of the Befriending Volunteers are Ms. Olive Kelly, Development Officer and Ms. Mary Groeger, Director of Cork Mental Health Foundation who delivered the befriending training course.

Befriending volunteer application form.rtf

Befriending Poster.

For more information on Befriending contact Cork Mental Health Foundation