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- Tasks: Provide weekly visits to support isolated individuals and help them achieve personal goals.
- Company: BEfriend, a compassionate organisation dedicated to reducing isolation.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and make a real difference in someone's life.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and community impact over a one-year commitment.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and empower others to feel valued and connected.
- Qualifications: Complete mental health training and demonstrate empathy and reliability.
Our core Befriending Project supports people who are isolated and sometimes housebound. They may have a physical or sensory disability, or they may have mild dementia.
Our Linked Minds Befriending Project provides specialist one-to-one befriending for adults who are isolated because of a diagnosed mental health problem. This is an opportunity to become a Befriender.
On successful completion of specialist mental health training, the Befriender is matched with someone suitable by a Co-ordinator who then acts as a non-clinical supervisor for the befriending period, which is limited to a year. Where applicable, this can count towards continuing professional development (CPD).
The Befriender, client and supervisor make a plan together with a goal to work towards. The Befriender makes a weekly 1-2 hour visit to the client’s home, which may include staying in and chatting, going for a walk, visiting a café, or undertaking a local activity. These visits aim to increase the client’s confidence, help them feel more valued, and support them in joining clubs, meeting others, or pursuing their personal goals. By the end of the year, clients should feel better about themselves, more resilient, and better connected to their community.
Volunteering with BEfriend enriches the lives of those who are isolated and also offers personal rewards, including the development of new skills and being part of a supportive team that values compassion and connection.
Responsibilities- Provide regular (weekly) befriending visits (1-2 hours) to assigned clients in their homes or local community settings.
- Collaborate with the client, supervisor, and coordinator to develop and work toward an agreed plan and goals.
- Attend and participate in supervision sessions with the coordinator and complete any required training.
- Maintain respectful, non-clinical boundaries and adhere to project guidelines and safeguarding policies.
- Successful completion of specialist mental health training (provided by the project).
- Willingness to commit to the befriending period (up to one year) and to work within agreed boundaries and supervision arrangements.
- Ability to communicate empathetically, listen actively, and build trusting relationships.
- Non-clinical role with an understanding of safeguarding and boundaries appropriate to befriending in a mental health context.
- Compassion, reliability, and teamwork approach.
- Interest in supporting others to increase confidence and community belonging.
Note: This description reflects the BEfriend Befriending roles in Ealing and Hounslow, United Kingdom.
Befriender: Mental Health (Ealing and Hounslow) in London employer: BEfriend
Contact Detail:
BEfriend Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Befriender: Mental Health (Ealing and Hounslow) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research BEfriend and understand their values and mission. This will help you connect with them during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former volunteers on LinkedIn or social media. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give your application a boost.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to mental health and befriending. Think about your own experiences and how they align with the role – this will help you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re committed to joining the team and supporting those in need.
We think you need these skills to ace Befriender: Mental Health (Ealing and Hounslow) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about supporting others.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Befriender role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested and have put thought into your application.
Show Your Compassion: Since this role is all about connection and support, it’s important to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Share examples of how you've helped others or built relationships in the past – we love hearing those stories!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at BEfriend
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the specifics of the Befriender role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and the impact you can have on someone's life. This will help you articulate why you're passionate about supporting those who are isolated.
✨Show Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate empathetically. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built trusting relationships or supported someone in need. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that show your interest in the project and the people you'll be working with. Inquire about the types of activities you might engage in with clients or how success is measured in the befriending relationship. This shows you're genuinely invested.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves collaboration with a supervisor and coordinator, emphasise your teamwork skills. Share instances where you've worked effectively in a team setting, especially in contexts related to mental health or community support.