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Catherine,
26 and Francesca 25 talk about what befriending has done for them……
Catherine (Volunteer) ‘I heard about Good Companions
via a friend of my partner. My partner has experienced a mental
health problem for a number of years and I’d seen how difficult
it was for him, despite the fact he had excellent support from his
family and myself. I wanted to help someone who didn’t have
this support.
I went on the Good Companions training course in 2003 and it gave
me a better understanding of different mental health problems and
how to deal with potential situations. I also learnt the importance
of supporting someone in making their own choices, and about the
role of the befriender.
I was matched to Francesca soon after the training and we have been
meeting up for a year. We go shopping, go for meals and now and
again do something special. We’re now very relaxed in one
another’s company and our relationship has strong foundations
- I’ve supported her through difficult patches and know she
can talk to me.
Befriending has affected me quite a bit. I get so much satisfaction
when I leave her feeling positive at the end of a visit, and its
improved the way I communicate with everyone I come into contact
with. It looks great on my CV too. It’s only an hour a week
and it makes such a difference to someone’s life and I’m
definitely glad I’ve done it’
Francesca (Service User) ‘I heard about Good
Companions 3 years ago from my social worker, at the time I was
feeling isolated and didn’t have much of a social life. I’ve
had 4 befrienders during this time, and the first time I had a visit
from a befriender I was really nervous but we got on well. We used
to go to the seafront, went for lunch and also went horse riding.
I met Catherine last year and we got on great from the start. She
comes to see me once a week and I look forward to her visits very
much.
We go walking , window shopping and chat about all sorts of things.
She also comes with me to the Good Companions social events, like
the fish and chip supper, pub night and coach trip.
Without Catherine, I would feel more isolated and I would do less.
I’ve got more of a social life and I count her as a friend
now - I’ve got someone to talk my problems through with’
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