Sevenoaks Befrienders Scheme

Coordinators:
Margaret & Cres
01883 712576

Pastoral Oversight:
Revd. Tony Cornfield
01732 452062

• “Befrienders” is a scheme which aims to match volunteers who are able to give time and friendship to others in the community.

• A Befriender is a volunteer who will draw alongside an individual or family in the local community, offering support, encouragement and a listening ear. After 8 weeks there will be a review.

• Befrienders can be accessed by referral from a social or health care professional to the coordinator on the above number. An initial visit will be arranged to discuss the specific needs so that the coordinator can match the most suitable Befriender.

• Each Befriender will have been trained, had references checked, been police checked and receive supervision. They will carry an ID badge whenever they visit.

• There is no charge for the Befriending Service. The volunteers, all members of local churches, want to offer help and support to local people, free of charge.

• Befrienders are motivated and inspired by their faith but will in no way expect the befriendee to share it or be in any way interested in it.

How it will work:
1) Referrals will be received from Social and Healthcare professionals
2) The Coordinator, having assessed the appropriateness of the referral will visit the Befriendee to determine the most suitable Befriender, and arrange an introduction.
3) The Befriender will arrange with his/her Befriendee the frequency and length of the visits. These will typically be for an hour or two every week or two.
4) This will be agreed, documented and signed by both parties on the first visit.
5) The situation will be reviewed after 8 weeks or before if appropriate.

Our Aims:
To offer quality time and short term support to families and individuals in the local community, and as appropriate:
• offer a listening ear.
• offer support, encouragement and possibly practical help.
• reduce a sense of isolation and loneliness.
• enable access to other services. (i.e. CAB, Debt Relief, Divorce Recovery, Relate.)