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Befriender

  • VO100055
  • Home-based volunteering

Description

Our Befriending service aims to support individuals towards recovery through weekly phone calls or meet ups with a trained volunteer. The service is for both individuals affected by an eating disorder, and those who care for them.

Befrienders offer one to one support, signposting and a safe space to talk. The sessions take place on a weekly basis for an initial period of eight weeks, at which point the situation is assessed. The support may then continue for up to a year.

Organisation aims and objectives

The charity was set up in 2014 by her family in memory of Linda Tremble, who sadly lost her battle with anorexia nervosa in 2011. We hold support group meetings for over 18’s with eating disorders and their carers. Our meetings are run by trained volunteers and are confidential, supportive, informal and friendly. We also provide one to one befriending support.

Availability

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The role will initially take place for one hour a week for a minimum of 8 weeks. After evaluation, it can continue for up to a year, though the frequency may decrease.

Frequency and commitment details

The role will initially take place for one hour a week for a minimum of 8 weeks. After evaluation, it can continue for up to a year, though the frequency may decrease.

Restrictions

Volunteers who have previously had an eating disorder must have been fully recovered for at least two years before taking on this role.
Experience required: Volunteers need to be good listeners and able of offer support and encouragement in a non-judgemental manner. A good knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with mental health issues, particularly eating disorders would be advantageous. We welcome applicants with lived experience of an eating disorder. We are specifically looking for your ability to be: ● Open and honest – people others can relate to ● Articulate, with a good telephone manner and able to communicate in a warm and welcoming way ● Able to show evidence of genuine trust and hope for the future ● Good listeners and encourage people to share; it is more important to hear their story than to share your own ● Patience – don’t hurry people onto the next stage of their journey ● Committed to attending regular training when required
Travel details: Remotely (over the phone or video chat) or at a mutually beneficial location
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Any reasonable costs incurred during in-person support (e.g. travel) would be reimbursed in line with SupportED’s expense policy.
Training details: Foundation and on-going training to develop your skills as a befriender and understanding of eating disorders. Regular support and supervision (group and one to one available)
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer

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Find out more about SupportED Scotland (Linda Tremble Foundation)
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