Norwich & Norfolk Voluntary Services

Mental Health Befriending Service

"The last thing I needed was someone else being paid to talk to me..."

There's no such thing as perfect health - physical or mental. But for some people, mental ill health will affect their whole way of life leading to isolation and loss of confidence.

The NVS Mental Health Befriending Scheme supports people with mental health problems in Norwich, enabling them to achieve greater independence and confidence, improved social contact and a better quality of life. Volunteer befrienders give an hour or two each week, to share ordinary social contact with people who have become isolated in this way. Contact is expected to last about 18 months but it can vary.

We welcome people of all ages and backgrounds as volunteers. You need to be:

• Open minded about mental illness
• Able to be supportive
• Willing to listen
• Prepared to make a commitment

Preparation and Support

Before taking on a befriending role all volunteers attend a three part preparation course which includes:

• Basic mental health awareness
• Confidentiality
• Boundaries
• Support
• Equal opportunities
• Personal safety

Subsequently volunteers are expected to attend quarterly support meetings. Travel expenses within Norwich city limits can be reimbursed.

"I would encourage anyone interested to try this...it is valuable"

"Looking back, we have achieved more than I expected"

"Over time trust and a sort of friendship has developed"

 

Preparation courses are usually held twice a year.

For more information please contact Paul Smith, the Co-ordinator, at the address below or complete the online form to request further information on the NVS Mental Health Befriending Scheme.

Paul Smith, Co-ordinator
NVS Mental Health Befriending Scheme
83-87 Pottergate
Norwich
NR2 1DZ

Telephone: 01603 883823
Fax: 01603 764109
Email: mhbs@nvs.org.uk

Annual Report

You may request a copy of our Annual Report from the Co-ordinator (address as above). Alternatively, the Annual Report is available in PDF format and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, you can download it for free - click here to go to the Acrobat Reader download page (this link will open in a new browser window)

Download Annual Report
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