Befriending
Our Befrienders are people who are currently living with a long-term conditions such as
Stroke and Aphasia, who help to support other people with the same or similar condition.
What is Peer Befriending?
We offer 1-1 visits and phone chats from a befriender as well as groups across Gloucestershire. This peer support can happen at home, in cafes, care homes, hospital stroke units, or in a ReConnect group setting.
Our Befrienders understand the challenges faced by living with a long-term illness and are able to offer company, support and help to build confidence by sharing their own experiences. Our befrienders also offer telephone calls, and we have online support groups if you can’t make it in person to a group. Befrienders have told us they feel they have gained a huge amount from volunteering with us and helping to make a difference to their own, and others, lives.
What Happens After Befriending?
We believe that the best long term support can be found within your community, and people are encouraged to attend our local peer support groups.
Our informal groups are a great place to share experiences, offer ideas, support each other, and rebuild confidences. We’re always keen to help people start and run their own groups, so if there isn’t one in your local area we’ll be happy to look at getting one set up. Find out more about our groups here
A Video About Befriending
How To Get Involved
If you would like to be matched with a befriender or come to one of our groups, we just need you to fill in a referral form. Friends, relatives or professionals can also refer you into our service by using this form. Use the button to download the form. Alternatively, if you would like to get involved by volunteering, you can find out more here
