Befriending

Headway Dorset’s Befriending Service is Dorset wide and our trained CRB cleared volunteers support clients who are recovering from Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). The scheme provides access community based activities which can lead to improved self esteem and self confidence.

The Befriending Service provides a companionship to our clients, and helps open up, what would otherwise be a potentially narrow world. It helps to reduce the feelings of isolation often experienced after brain injury. It offers a friendship as well as vital support, whilst promoting community integration. By introducing volunteers to people they can develop new interests, meet new faces, visit places and enjoy a variety of activities.

The aim of our Client led service is to:

• Promote work towards recovery
• Focus on community based activities
• Provide opportunities to extend social networks
• Maximize choice
• Promote empowerment
• Meet the diverse needs of our Client group
• Enable accessibility to the Befriending Service in hard to reach areas
• Involve our Clients and their Carers in the development of the Service

However we need more help!  Your kind of help...

Do you find yourself with some time on your hands?

Are you finally in a position to be able tofulfillyour aspiration to give something back to the community?

Janet, a volunteer on the Buddy Scheme, writes the following...
“I was introduced to the Buddy Scheme in November 2003 by Poole Volunteer Bureau. I started meeting a lady soon after the introduction. We soon found that we had lots in common, relating to our childhood and soon also became very aware of each other’s feelings. I was later introduced to a second lady again we shared a lot of interests. We go out to interesting places, for a few hours. We can do just "girlie" things such as window shopping, walks, pursuing hobbies. The buddy scheme has very much been a two way process of enjoyment for each of us."

What will you gain?

• A vocational purpose
• An opportunity to gain experience with this client group
• An opportunity to contribute to and make a positive difference in someone’s life
• You will be part of a highly skilled and forward thinking team

What will you receive?

• Full training
•  Regular one to one support
•  Peer support
• Out of pocket expenses

What next?

If you are able to gift some time on a regular basis, we are happy to work around your existing commitments, don’t delay! If it’s just a few hours to spare each week if you have an interest you would like to share and introduce to one of our clients. Contact us today to discuss how you could become part of our amazing Team of valuable Volunteers.  Call 01202 606560 or e-mail buddy@headwaydorset.org.uk