Befriending

SANE wishes to implement a befriending service for anyone who feels isolated by mental illness, for example those experiencing depression or anxiety, or those who may be vulnerable because of their circumstances, such as older people and carers. 

Befriending is recognised as an effective way of helping to relieve loneliness and isolation, enabling individuals to feel more connected to their communities.

Many people feel excluded due to a range of social and health circumstances, for example lack of close family or friends, depression or anxiety. A diagnosis of mental illness may also result in feelings of isolation and difference, which can be hard for an individual to manage.

Carers may feel isolated as their role can be very demanding. They sometimes find it difficult, both practically and emotionally, to identify and attend to their own needs, including the need for social contact.

In order to reach as many people as possible, SANE plans to provide the befriending service via telephone, text and e-mail. This enables SANE to work with the skills already established in its other services, while offering a different kind of support. 

Referrals to befriending may be identified through any of SANE’s existing range of services.