Our befriending service runs alongside our peer support groups, offering another way of helping to reduce isolation and loneliness. Everyone needs other people, but not everyone has someone to talk to. Befriending simply means to ‘be friendly’ to someone, and helps people to build reliable, social relationships that help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. If you’re feeling lonely because of your BPD, don’t be afraid to reach out, we will be able to help you connect with a trained volunteer who wants to listen and talk.
At times there may be a delay in matching you with a volunteer, if this is the case you will be held on a waiting list on a first come first served basis. We will keep in touch with you throughout.
What services are available?
Telephone befriending: a weekly phone call with your befriender
Online group befriending: a weekly group gathering, some of these groups run activities, craft sessions or games
What happens after referral?
We will send you a questionnaire to complete, so we know more about you and can match you with a volunteer. If a suitable volunteer is not available, we will put you on a waiting list and keep in touch with you throughout.
For 1-1 befriending, we will arrange a time for the befriender to call you and have an initial conversation. If you are happy to continue at the end of the conversation, the befriender will arrange a further call with you. Calls usually happen once a week/fortnight and last about 30-40 minutes. We will keep in touch with you and your befriender to make sure everything is ok.
For group befriending, we will invite you join our friendly online group.
How do I apply for the befriending service?
You can self-refer for the befriending service.
If you are a health and social care professional who wishes to refer someone, please email us at supportservices@borderlinesupport.org.uk.