Support from a ‘friend’ can be especially helpful if you have a mental heath problem. Our volunteer friends offer:

Emotional Support - a listening ear can be a real relief, especially if it belongs to someone who has chosen to spend time listening to you.

Practical Support - day to day activities like shopping, cleaning, filling in forms and decorating can be so much easier with someone to help. Our volunteers can provide this help.

Social Support - People experiencing mental health difficulties often find themselves isolated. This is usually for two reasons, either because they isolate themselves or because friends and family don't know how to help and withdraw. Whatever the cause the result is the same - isolation. If you have become isolated or are nervous about going out, one of our volunteers can accompany you. Perhaps you would like to visit your local pub, go to the cinema or join an adult education class. Let us know and we can arrange for someone to go with you.

Advocacy - when you are ill it often helps to have someone with you who is completely on your side, someone to stick up for you. For example, you may feel that you have important things to say to your doctor but when you get there you lose confidence, or simply forget. A volunteer friend can come with you to help you say what you want to say. Or perhaps you need assistance with other things like a benefit query or a complaint that you wish to make, whatever it is we will try and help.

Information - up to date and reliable information is always essential, but sometimes it's hard to know how to find it. Perhaps you need information about medication, benefits, returning to or staying at work, how to get the best service from your GP or mental health services. Maybe you want to attend an evening course or join a support group? Whatever it is we can help you find the information that you need.

Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Mind's befriending service could make a real and positive difference to your life - whether or not you're receiving mental health care from statutory health and social services. It can help you feel more involved in your community and introduce you to people who will care about you as a friend.

Our workers and volunteers are available at a variety of venues throughout the area, either one to one or in a group, as needed.

A short leaflet is available to anyone who is interested in learning more about this service or in volunteering as a friend. To receive a copy of the leaflet please contact us on 01723 588008 or e-mail us at info@swrmind.co.uk

Click here to join the circle of friends as a volunteer.