Volunteering Befriending Scheme

Praxis Care operates a volunteer befriending scheme with over 160 matched friendships, some of which have lasted 5, 10 and even 15 years! Volunteer befrienders can help to reduce the risk of suicide, help to minimise the feeling of isolation, reduce pressure on families, and help to alleviate poor health and the risk of hospital admission.

Befriending Schemes are in operation in the following areas:

Greater Belfast
Derry City
North Down & Ards
Antrim
Magherafelt/Cookstown
Lurgan
Isle of Man

Praxis Care also operates a volunteer befriending scheme for young people leaving care based in the Northern Health & Social Services Board area. The scheme was set up as The Board perceived there to be a lack of services specifically for young people who were in the process of leaving the care system.

Volunteers are recruited, given appropriate training and then “matched” with a young person. Volunteers see their young people approximately once a week mainly to be a listening ear, a social outlet and offer extra support. The focus of the service has always been on social activities as these build confidence, raise self esteem and help the young person become more involved in the community where they live. Volunteers receive supervision and support from the co-ordinator who in turn works closely with the leaving and aftercare teams. The service has proved itself to be effective and worthwhile with some significant friendships being formed along the way.

Praxis Care also encourages volunteer activity through befriending/activity co-ordination schemes. Individuals with a learning disability or acquired brain injury can face isolation in the community unless they are facilitated to make friendships and join in local groups. Service users are often not able to use transport on their own, or lack the confidence to take part in social activities without companionship. They may be treated with hostility or suspicion.

Praxis offers the opportunity for service users to gain self-esteem and confidence and to be socially included in the community through being matched with a volunteer. People with a learning disability or acquired brain injury find companionship through this scheme. Someone visits because he/she wishes to volunteer rather than because he/she is paid to do so. This is a major morale boost for service users. Praxis recruits, trains and supports volunteers on an ongoing basis and also facilitates the development of ‘peer’ relationships which is extremely important.