Bradfordian

Paul writes about volunteering as a befriender has helped to alleviate his own feelings of loneliness, as well as that of his befriendees. It was following a long spell of therapy that I made the decision to get involved with a mental health charity, when the time was right, a time when I could dedicate […]

The post Volunteers’ Week Blog 6: Paul first appeared on Mind in Bradford.

Olivia writes about the difference she can see in her befriendee after supporting her each week. My volunteering journey began when I sadly lost a friend to a long battle with mental health; she was always trying to give her time to others so I wanted to try my best to do that in her […]

The post Volunteers’ Week Blog 5: Olivia first appeared on Mind in Bradford.

Jas writes about her approach to befriending and how she uses her listening skills to make a real difference. I have been a telephone befriender for just over a year. I joined just after the pandemic started and I soon realised it was really making a difference. Naturally this year has been more difficult than […]

The post Volunteers’ Week Blog 4: Jas first appeared on Mind in Bradford.

Jayne writes about her experiences befriending and how valuable it is to both her and her befriendee. My own self confidence boosted knowing I have helped a person, from befriending them on the telephone. A thank you from that person is such a great reward for me and means a lot.  I also feel I […]

The post Volunteers’ Week Blog 3: Jayne first appeared on Mind in Bradford.

Aisling writes about how volunteering benefits her clients and builds her own confidence. I began volunteering at Mind in Bradford in January 2021 as a telephone befriender. I feel that offering support in the form of listening, encouraging and showing empathy to my clients on a weekly basis over the phone has a positive effect […]

The post Volunteers’ Week Blog 2: Aisling first appeared on Mind in Bradford.

Marie writes about the sense of achievement that volunteering as a befriender gives her. I currently volunteer for Mind in Bradford in a befriender role.   Over the last year I began noticing how isolation was affecting people, with limited social experiences and interactions and the reduction of face-to-face support, especially within mental health. This made […]

The post Volunteers’ Week Blog 1: Marie first appeared on Mind in Bradford.