'one to one' befriending - How the Scheme Works

'one to one' befriending matches young volunteers (aged 16 to 25) with young people who are in need of a bit of support (aged 13 to 25). Potential befriendees might be young mothers, people who are depressed or lonely, people who have been in trouble, or someone who just needs a friend. If you need a friend or someone to talk to, and would like to become a Befriendee: Following an interview and registration period, you will be matched ASAP with a suitable volunteer with whom you will meet regularly to talk, enjoy activities together and begin your social development. You will receive ongoing support from the 'one to one' befriending staff. If you would like to become a Volunteer Befriender: Following an interview and registration period, volunteers receive training from our support staff at several preparation courses that operate within Hereford. Preparation courses cover a variety of topics: *The role of a volunteer befriender *The development of communication skills with a cross-section of young people. *Developing non-judgmental attitudes *Learning how to deal with difficult situations *Examining confidentiality issues and boundaries *Developing listening skills *Avoiding stereotyping *Learning how to maintain conversation Our aim is to match a volunteer befriender with a befriendee within 2 months of the completion of their preparation courses. Volunteers visit once a week, either at the person's home or in a public place. Some people go out together, for example ten-pin-bowling, or into town for a coffee. A recent development has been the organisation of group meetings, bringing together volunteer befrienders and befriendees for social events. This enables social interaction to develop on another level to the benefit of all involved.