How have our befriending services helped women?

BB a 61 year old lady accessed Befriending service after her counselling sessions at Shama ended last year, June 2023, to support her loneliness and isolation after the loss of her husband. BB also lived alone and had no family in the UK. She also struggled with her mental health as she had been diagnosed with depression and experienced suicidal thoughts. She also had mobility issues and difficulties which have been present from many years. BB requested befriending support for emotional support and to help alleviate her loneliness.

Through befriending, BB was able to express her concerns and share how she was feeling. She faced difficulties with financial struggles, completing paperwork, physical pain due to health issues and her mental health. Throughout the visits she opened up about her struggles and frustrations with her situation and the suicidal thoughts she experienced. The volunteer befriender provided emotional support and compassion over several visits, taking the time to listen to the client and make sure she was held in a safe space, as well as practical assistance with signposting information to address the clients’ needs. She provided the client Information on other support services and resources like Samaritans and Citizens Advice, motivating and empowering the client to take proactive steps to contact welfare services and follow up on referrals, thus empowering her, building her resilience and self-advocacy skills. 

Throughout the visits, the client was able to share laughter and good memories through volunteer encouragement. In many visits, the client had shared “It feels good to have someone to talk to, who really listens and cares.”  When BB’s groups such as Adhar had stopped, the volunteer supported her by directing her to her GP and social services and other support agencies. 

How does the programme benefit our volunteers?

As a befriender, the volunteer also benefited from the experience, she was able to support someone according to their needs, and was able to see the positive impact of compassionate listening and encouragement on someone facing significant challenges. The volunteer achieved a deeper understanding of the challenges others may face and how to provide emotional and practical support.