ABOUT WELLBEING SCOTLAND Wellbeing Scotland are a voluntary organisation with services across Scotland. They provide a wide range of holistic services for individuals and families whose life experiences have impacted negatively on their wellbeing. Since 1994 the organisation have offered client centred, holistic, trauma informed therapeutic services and have specialised in abuse and trauma work. They work with both children and adults and have services in various areas of Scotland and are working towards providing support to individuals in all areas of Scotland. Wellbeing Scotland offer a diverse range of support services in recognition of the wide range of experiences which may impact on an individual or their family in different ways, at different stages of their lives. The range of support offered ensures that volunteers and staff can offer individuals a support pathway which suits their individual needs. All services are open ended, in recognition of the fact that every individual’s experience is different and unique to them as is their journey to recovery. ROLE DESCRIPTION: Wellbeing Scotland recognise the difficulties people have experienced as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak so have volunteers on hand who are befrienders that have training in supporting people listening skills. Becoming a Volunteer Befriender is a rewarding role and can significantly reduce loneliness by providing enjoyable social connections and experiences for people with various support needs. WHO SHOULD BEFRIEND? - Anyone wanting to make a difference in their community. - Health and social care students, trainee nurses - looking for placements or just to gain experience of working with people who have various support needs. - People who are good listeners, reliable, sociable, friendly, honest and trustworthy. - Those who are positive about diversity, able to be professional in approach, and offer a caring and understanding presence. - No previous experience is necessary. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEFRIENDING? - It is a chance to develop your skills, and most of all, a genuine opportunity to make a difference. - You will learn something new, and you will gain friendships too. - It is rewarding and fulfilling, giving a sense of purpose. - It is a meaningful way to connect with and help you community. - You will be part if a friendly and supportive team at Wellbeing Scotland. Befrienders will offer a listening ear and full description of the role is attached. Training will be provided.

If you can spare a couple of hours per fortnight minimum and are able to volunteer for a year or more helping adults who have become isolated through mental health problems we would like to hear from you. You will take your befriendee out to leisure and community activities and support them to do things they may be unable to do alone. Examples have included walks, squash, a knitting group, trips to a safari park, visiting museums, taking a class in IT skills, attending support groups, golfing, and just going for coffee and a chat. Initial and on-going training is given and other benefits include out of pocket expenses, regular support and supervision meetings, group events, Saltire or LINK Awards, reference after 6 months.

The main role of volunteers will be to befriend people aged 16 years and over who are presently experiencing mental health difficulties or social isolation or loneliness. The volunteers will be matched with people with similar interests so they can engage in their local community in a variety of ways from going out for a coffee and chat to perhaps shopping , cinema or sporting activities. Full induction, training and ongoing contact and support will be given regularly. All out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed including travel and mileage costs.

We are looking for people to join our team of trained regional Befrienders supporting those who are currently struggling with an eating disorder. Our Befriending Service provides personal support by linking people who are struggling with those who are recovered and trained. Our Befrienders will provide a weekly telephone call for approximately 6 months in order to support and guide someone towards recovery. The Befriending Service aims to reduce feelings of isolation, offer hope and to encourage people as they work on their recovery. Practical help towards eating again is part of this service, led by Talk-ED's registered dietitian and nutritional therapist. It is really helpful to be able to speak to someone who knows what the road to recovery can be like. Our Befriender's have a big 'heart' for others and a wish to help them through. For more details or to apply please refer to our website https://www.talk-ed.org.uk/become-a-befriender where you will find the guide to Befriending along with an application form. Over 30 years of experience enables Talk-ED (previously known as Anorexia & Bulimia Care) to offer personal, on-going, emotional support and practical guidance for recovery for people struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, in addition to behaviours such as compulsive exercise, self-harming, laxative abuse and suicidal ideation. Our purpose is to safeguard the lives of people struggling with eating disorders, to prevent an eating disorder from developing and claiming someone's life, to care for the emotional and physical needs of people with eating disorders and their families, friends and colleagues, to encourage recovery by equipping people with practical tools and strategies for living life, to train and resource individuals and organisations working with people affected by eating disorders and to support and engage in research into eating disorders.