Llanelli Mind Befriending Scheme

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What We Do:

Llanelli Mind Befriending Scheme offers support and companionship to people who have mental health needs. We recruit train and match volunteers with individuals who are socially isolated through their experience of mental ill health.

Where you can find us

 

We are based upstairs in Llanelli Mind Welcome Centre at 46 Thomas St., Llanelli. Llanelli Mind provides a comfortable and relaxed drop-in service in addition to our befriending scheme. You can find out more about what is on offer there by going to www.llanelli-mind.org.uk.

 

History of the Scheme:

The scheme was launched in 1992, following research by W.W.A.M.H. that showed a need for an informal network of volunteers to help enable local people experiencing mental distress to live more independent lives in the community. Funding for the scheme comes from Carmarthenshire County Council and the Welsh Assembly.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF LLANELLI MIND BEFRIENDING SCHEME:

Encouraging people experiencing emotional or mental health problems towards a more fulfilling life through developing mutually beneficial friendships.

We aim to:

Alleviate the loneliness of people with mental health problems who are isolated geographically or due to circumstances by developing a wider social network and so reduce stress and isolation.

· Promote personal choice.

· Increase self-respect.

· Support existing personal skills and the development of new opportunities.

· Prevent admissions and re-admissions to hospital by minimising the destabilising effects of mental illness.

· Promote a more positive attitude to mental health in the community.

· The Befriending Scheme will:

· Provide regular and agreed contact with a befriender.

· Provide companionship and support.

· Offer a listening ear, but not structured counselling.

· Offer this service in an informal, non-judgmental and confidential manner, free to the service user.

· Offer regular supervision training and support to the befriender.

· Ensure regular reviews of the befriending relationship.

Llanelli Mind Befriending Scheme
Co-ordinator Vyv Phillips
46, Thomas St,
Llanelli
Carmarthenshire

To contact us:

Phone: (01554) 776306

E-mail: llanellimindbefriending@hotmail.com