Hey, Leeds! I’m Ree Young and I am the Befriending service’s new Befriending worker. I’d like to introduce myself and tell you a bit more about the service.
I grew up in Lincoln and moved to Leeds in 2017. Growing up, I was diagnosed with Epilepsy, which affected my opportunities and therefore my mental health. I have supported close friends with suicidal ideation and dealing with new diagnoses (such as BPD and ADHD).
Previously, I have worked in community engagement. This includes being active in local politics as well as my previous roles as a Community Engagement Officer at SCOPE and a sports development officer for Disability Sport Yorkshire.
Because of this, I can offer insight into the mental health of disabled individuals and those experiencing mental health difficulties. When I saw the befriending post, I knew this would be a great fit. I also hope to grow the diversity of individuals we offer support to.
As for a bit about why I have decided to work with adults, I have a close relationship with my grandmother and would like to offer support to those without this. I have a close-knit family, whereby I offer support to both of my great-aunties following bereavement as well as topics in my wider family such as substance abuse, divorce, and loneliness.
My Role
As a Befriending Worker, my role will be to support 50+ year-olds with their wellbeing, through social support. This could be due to loneliness or isolation and a variety of mental health needs. We want this programme to be person-centred and led by the people we support. As Befriending Workers, we are there to facilitate support, but those we support are in control of the decisions.
Our Service
Our Befriending service is currently accepting referrals. We can support people within their homes, to leave their homes, offer someone to talk to, and support with signposting to other services that may improve their quality of life (plus much more!)
To access our Befriending service, you must be:
– 50+
– A Leeds resident
– Experiencing loneliness, isolation and mental health difficulties
We are also taking volunteer applications. If you feel you would like experience and/or are looking to be involved in mental health support, please reach out. Specifically, we are looking for a Punjabi-speaking volunteer.
How does the support work?
Our Befriending support runs over six months, with weekly 1-hour visits. In these sessions, you will have the support of your Befriender (either a Befriending Worker or trained volunteer), as well as ongoing support from our Befriending Coordinator.
During the referral process, we can support you with preferences and any adjustments you may need to access support. When you have been assigned a Befriender, this person will consecutively support you, with the option of switching if you believe the match isn’t what you’d quite like.
If you like the sound of volunteering for our service or know of someone who would benefit from the support, please see more information below.
If they’ve read this far and they’re interested, what do they need to do? Some examples are:
- Call us
- Learn more
- Sign up here
- Register your interest
How you can get involved
To make a referral to our befriending service, please contact befriending@leedsmind.org.uk or call 0113 305 5800.
We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers, who are able to dedicate 2 hours a week for a minimum of 6 months. To apply, please fill out an application form and return it to befriending@leedsmind.org.uk or call 0113 305 5800.
Get the Volunteer Befriender Role Description here.
Get the Volunteer Application Form here.
What to expect as a volunteer
When we receive your application form, we’ll book in an informal discussion with you, just to confirm your suitability for the role and to answer any questions you may have. We then request two references and a DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service Check – e.g. criminal record check).
All volunteers will complete full training and an induction into the role. You will receive training in Mental Health Awareness, as well as introductory training on Safeguarding; Equality & Diversity; Working Safely and Data Protection.
You’ll then provide companionship and support to the person or people who need it, building up their confidence and helping them to engage in the local community. You can volunteer anything from just two hours per week once you get started.
The volunteer experience
One of our previous befriending volunteers, Hannah, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the befriending service with Leeds Mind. My clients are always happy to see me, and I do feel like I am making a little difference in their lives. One day, I hope to be a trained counsellor, and I fervently feel this is a great experience for both myself who is on that career path as well as for those who are struggling on a day-to-day basis, to be able to have that small but important time for conversations over a lovely warm cup of tea.”
