We aim to help reduce the social isolation, alienation and stigma that often accompany mental health problems. By creating and supporting one-to-one friendships between trained volunteers and adults living in the community. How can you trust us? BBN is affiliated to a charity, the Association for Pastoral Care in Mental Health. For nearly 25 years, APCMH has worked to support the spiritual needs o
f those with mental health problems. Since 1993, its Merton branch has successfully operated a befriending scheme. What about local backing? We have the support of: -
- South West London & St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust
- NHS Wandsworth
- Wandsworth Council Social Services
- Wandsworth Community Empowerment Network
And our objectives? We aim to: -
- Offer befriending relationships for individuals with experience of mental ill-health in the Borough of Wandsworth, starting with the Battersea area.
- Promote confidence in those we befriend to access opportunities and services within the community.
- Recruit and train volunteers to befriend, in the process developing an understanding of the role of the befriender.
- Provide ongoing support to befrienders including a model of mutual support.
- Encourage partnership working with other mental health agencies and community organisations to ensure an integrated service for those we befriend. But what are our values? All relationships with people, especially those who are vulnerable, must have core values at their heart. Without them, they are open to abuse and are likely to fail.
