Mental Health Aberdeen - COMPANIONS Befriending Scheme - Banff

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Record Number: 3839

Address:
Anderson House
46 Ardanes Brae
Banff
Aberdeenshire
AB45 1FG

Phone: 01261 818330
Answerphone available

Email: banff.companions@mhaberdeen.org.uk Website: http://www.companions.org.uk

Services

The Companions Befriending Scheme based in Banff is a befriending service for people between 18- 65 years old who are experiencing mental ill health in the Banff and Turriff areas. It is managed by Mental Health Aberdeen.

The Co-ordinator of the COMPANIONS Befriending Scheme recruits, trains, supports and supervises volunteers to befriend adults to access local community facilities and events.

Befrienders provide support by regular visits, to take part in local leisure activities such as going swimming, going for a walk or to a local cafe, and thus reducing social isolation. Volunteers are ordinary people from different backgrounds, life experiences and age groups, who have all volunteered because they care and they want to help.

Volunteers complete induction training before they are matched with a client. The training includes issues such as an introduction to mental health and mental illness, confidentiality, boundaries, empowerment, attitudes and values, communication skills, adult support and protection, SSSC, expectations, support and building relationships.

Volunteers have to provide two references and are required to join the PVG Scheme and are issued with identity cards.

More Information

Area Covered: Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire Coverage: Banff & Buchan

Opening Hours:

Office Opening Hours - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9.30 - 4pm

Volunteers also visit in the evening and at weekends.

Cost of Service:

There is no cost to the user. The client only pays their own admittance fee, cup of tea etc.

Referral: Referral is by Community Mental Health Team member or other voluntary agency. Self referrals are also welcome from people who have had contact with the local Community Mental Health Team.

Transport Availability:

Volunteers use their own transport when it is available, otherwise public transport is used

Scottish Charity No.: SC012306 (Mental Health Aberdeen)