The Mental Health Befriending service was set up to meet the needs of people with long-term mental health problems, whose illness has led to them becoming socially isolated.

The service recruits, trains and matches individual volunteers with clients who have mental health problems and helps them to provide regular, community-based support, companionship and encouragement. This helps clients to become more independent, to develop confidence and to overcome social isolation.

Befrienders can make a real difference by regular meetings in a one-to-one partnership.  They can share interests and activities whilst doing ordinary things like going for a coffee and having a chat.

All volunteer befrienders attend an initial training course that covers mental health awareness, confidentiality issues, boundaries, listening skills and support.

Volunteers have an opportunity to acquire new skills, broaden their experience, have fun, meet new people and make a real difference to someone’s life.

Volunteers from all backgrounds are welcome to apply to become befrienders. You need to be over 18, have a mature outlook and be open-minded about mental health problems. You must want to be supportive, be willing to listen and be prepared to make a commitment.

Partnerships are usually for about an hour a week and last for a maximum of 18 months.

To find out more about the Mental Health Befriending Service (MHBS), please contact: 

Natalie Hickman, Mental Health Befriending Service Co-ordinator on 01603 883823 or natalie.hickman@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk