North Dublin Befriending Service Katy Hoban Service Co-ordinator

1. North Dublin Befriending ServiceKaty Hoban Service Co-ordinator Supporting people with mental health Difficulties living in their community

2. North Dublin Befriending • With the emphasis on developing community based services one of the problems identified when placing someone in the community was social isolation. (Vision for Change) • The North Dublin Befriending Service was set up to help reduce this isolation and to provide these people with opportunities for social interaction and a sense of being part of a community.

3. MISSION STATEMENT The Befriending Service supports people with mental health difficulties, to re-integrate into their communities, empowering them to re-establish personal interests and contacts and access resources within their community, thus alleviating social isolation and exclusion.

4. SERVICE AIMS The aim of the North Dublin Befriending Service is to improve the quality of life of people with mental health difficulties. • To promote the independence of such individuals and encourage their integration into local community. • To assist people with mental health difficulties to re-establish personal interests and social contacts within the community; alleviating social isolation and exclusion. • To motivate and support individuals with mental health difficulties in accessing other community resources.

5. Brief Background • The Mental Health Associations in North Dublin in conjunction with the community mental health services recognised that a service was required to address the problem of social inclusion for people with Mental Health Difficulties. • Mental Health Ireland, applied for funds from Dormant accounts. • North Dublin Befriending Project, started in July 2005, Administered by Mental Health Ireland. This was a two year project 2005-2007. • After the project, in October 2007 the North Dublin Befriending Service was established. • The Service is funded by the HSE.

6. Building the Service • In July 2005 the Befriending Project set up and two co-ordinators employed. • Advisory committee consisted of a representative from the Mental Health Associations in North Dublin and representative from the community mental health services. • Policies and procedures drawn up • Recruitment and training of volunteers • Presentations were made to all relevant stake holders in areas 6, 7 and 8. • 1st Dec. 2005 - First match meeting took place.

7. North Dublin Befriending Service • Community based voluntary support service for people experiencing mental health difficulties • It involves matching a person who has a mental health problem with a trained and supported volunteer who gives 2 – 4 hours of their time each week. • Each befriending match is initiated, supported and monitored by the two co-ordinators. • The service also provides 3 Social Clubs in Finglas, Balbriggan and Blanchardstown.

8. WHO IS THE SERVICE FOR? Those over 18 years of age, living in the community experiencing mental health difficulties who :- • Feel isolated and find it hard to socialize. • Would like to make new friends and try new things. • Wish to develop new interests and hobbies. • Wish to improve their social life.

9. How can Befriending meet the needs of people with mental health difficulties • By Supporting the befriendee to achieve their own personal goals (e.g. Using public transport, socializing in public etc.) • By Providing an opportunity for the befriendee to have support in participating and developing their interests and hobbies. • By Assisting the befriendee to access community resources such as training and education.

10. Important Issues • North Dublin Befriending Service is an alcohol and drug free Service. The safety of both the befriendee and the befriender (volunteer) must be considered at all times • All volunteers are covered by our insurance. • Confidentiality is of the utmost importance • Public transport is advisable when meeting as volunteers can not give lifts in their own cars. • Volunteers are advised not to disclose their personal telephone numbers to befriendees

11. WHAT IS BEFRIENDING? • Spending regular time together • Giving individual attention and support • Helping people to help themselves • Encouraging choice • Being a good listener • Helping to reduce social isolation • Having fun

12. BEFRIENDING IS NOT • Trying to solve all the befriendee’s problems • Making judgments about lifestyle and behaviour • Counselling or therapy • Being a babysitter or home help or a driver • Feeling responsible for the befriendee’s decisions or actions • Giving advice that is not asked for • Creating a dependency on you

13. Qualities Needed by Volunteers • Reliable, dependable, consistent • Good communication skills • An ability to work on ones own initiative • Common sense • Understanding and empathy • Warmth & an ability to engage in relationships

14. Volunteer supports • A core objective of the Befriending Service is to ensure that all volunteers are well trained, supported and supervised. • Resource Pack (Volunteer Handbook) • Telephone support available from co-ordinator • Group support – Evaluation sessions with fellow volunteers at regular intervals. • Ongoing volunteer training i.e.. First Aid.

15. How does one become a Befriendee ? • He/She voluntarily must choose to. • They feel that they want to begin to work at integration within their own communities • They are referred by the Community Mental Health Team, Social workers, or their GP. • An informal meeting is set up to discuss their application • A match with a suitable volunteer is made • An introductory meeting is set up

16. What happens next: • A volunteer is matched with a befriendee (Location, hobbies and interests, gender) • Volunteer meets with the befriendee and co-ordinator • Continuous support is provided by the co-ordinator to both parties for the initial 4/5 meetings (or longer if required) followed by on-going reviews and evaluations. • The level of support provided thereafter is based on each individual needs

17. Achievements to Date • Endorsement from MENTAL HEALTH EUROPE, “Best Practice” . • HSE Achievement Awards 2007, “Best Service” for “Adopting and Adapting Good Practice”.  • Development of a Training Programme, and have successful trained 155 volunteers. • Independent Service. • Three Social Clubs, in Finglas, Blanchardstown and Balbriggan.

18. Conclusion • With a strong commitment to the principle of “Recovery” our aim is to empower those living in the community with a mental health difficulty to fully engage in community life in line with their own aspirations and preferences and reduce the stigma attached to mental illness.

19. Web Site :- www.befriendingservice.com Email :- info@befriendingservice.com Phone Number :- 01-8387184 Co - ordinator :- Katy Hoban