Our popular befriending programme helps people to take the first steps towards meeting new people, rediscovering old hobbies and developing new interests and connections.
Re:discover is a one year programme, currently available to anyone feeling isolated due to experiencing mental ill health and living in Edinburgh, Midlothian or the Borders. It is also available to parents and carers through our Altogether Better Befriending Service.
Altogether Better - Are you a parent or carer? Do you live in South East Edinburgh? Being a parent or carer of a child can at times be stressful and isolating and it can be easy to forget who you are and the things you like doing. Whether it's meeting up or chatting on the phone this one-year program helps you to try new things or rediscover the things you used to enjoy.
Over 65? We also have a project called Communities Connecting which supports older people to find out what services, activities and groups are available in the local area. We provide one-to-one support for up to 4 months with one of our volunteers.
A volunteer will:
- Build the person’s confidence and self esteem
- Provide more opportunities for social contact
- Support them in building relationships with others
- Encourage them to take part in local activities or groups
- Help them to pick up old hobbies and interests and discover new ones
How to apply
Re:discover Edinburgh and Altogether Better:
Applicants can either call us on 0131 225 8508 or complete a self referral form and e-mail it to us. Referrers can complete a summary referral form. There are spaces in our Altogether Better Befriending Service and so we will get back in touch with you within a week of receiving your form. Within re:discover Befriending Service, we allocate spaces on a 4-monthly basis at our referral group.
The group will meet on the following days:
11th April 2012 (deadline for summary referrals 9th April)
15th August 2012 (deadline for summary referrals 13th August)
12th December 2012 (deadline for summary referrals 10th December)
We will get in touch with people who completed referrals within a week of the referral group meeting to inform them of the outcome of their referral, and where appropriate complete the application process.
For further information, please contact us on 0131 225 8508 or email readmin@health-in-mind.org.uk
Re:discover Midlothian:
Referrals should be made via the Joint Mental Health Team. Please contact Kevinkent@health-in-mind.org.uk, or phone 0131 663 3366 for more information.
Re:discover Borders:
Referrals can be made directly to the service. Please contact rediscoverborders@health-in-mind.org.uk or phone 01896 750 983 for more information.
Service Manager:
Wendy Bates: wendy.bates@health-in-mind.org.uk
Need help now?
If you or someone you care for is facing a crisis and in distress, please contact NHS 24 or your GP directly.
Click here for further information and contact details.
What you think
“I think befriending is good for people, it helps them to get out and to be a bit more motivated and to have focus
Lisa, Melrose
“I feel less shy and a lot more confident
John, Bonnyrigg
“It has increased my confidence, self-esteem and self-worth immeasurably.”
Melanie, Edinburgh
Volunteering
Would you like to join the Befriending or Communities Connecting teams? We look for a minimum commitment of 4 months from Communities Connecting volunteers and 1 year for Befriending volunteers. We offer excellent training, out of pocket expenses and an opportunity to make a real difference.
For more information click current volunteering opportunities.
