The Befriending Scheme: 1. Supports vulnerable people (aged 16 and over) in ways which promote independence, personal development and community participation.
2. Supports carers in ways which positively contribute to their health and wellbeing.
3. Aims to increase voluntary community action and involvement, together with opportunities for personal development through the recruitment, preparation, placement and support of volunteers in our programmes.
Why the community needs usWe have 7 Hubs across Suffolk where we run a range of activities and workshops and offer One to One Befriending links across Suffolk to enable isolated and vulnerable people to access opportunities for work, learning, social, leisure and travel activities, the chance to meet other people, make new friends, develop independence, reduce isolation and become valued members of the community. We also run a supported volunteering project for people with mental health problems and confidence issues.
Our impact on the communityWe offer flexible, tailored packages of support to our users and aim to empower them to make informed choices, increase their confidence and well-being, raise aspirations, build resilience, and enhance social inclusion. Our service often acts as an early intervention model and as such, provides cost benefits and reduces reliance on statutory services.
Typical outcomes include improved mental health, less loneliness and isolation, improved links with community and social networks.
We are looking for volunteers across Suffolk to help in our 7 centres in Haverhill, Ipswich, Sudbury, Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket, Felixstowe and Lowestoft. The centres are open 1 day per week and support adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems. We need help with a range of activities in the centres including sports, games, music, art/crafts. We also need volunteers to be one-to-one befrienders for adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems and the elderly.
