Increasing befriending provision for older people in Edinburgh 16 th July 2015

“Befriending is a relationship between a trained volunteer and an isolated or lonely individual (befriendee), which is initiated, supported and monitored by a voluntary or statutory agency” Definition of befriending

Befriending Networks BNs today 230 – 250 member services All client groups UK-wide 4 members of staff

BNs: what we do

BNs: our services Training Quality Award: QiB Direct member support Regional and thematic “common ground” meetings Consultancy Annual conference

BNs: our resources E- newsletter Website Service paperwork templates Publications and research Meeting and conference notes Social media hub

BNs: awareness raising and other stuff Befriending Week campaign and website (November) Health and Loneliness Roadshow Parliamentary Exhibitions “Stitch in Time” WEMWBS research EMBEP Cross-party groups and parliamentary committees

BNs: the future Develop online / blended learning materials Develop accredited national training for befrienders Create common set of evaluation tools for befriending sector

Befriending is … (yes / no / maybe) 1. Just like friendship 2. A way to provide respite for the befriendee’s carer 3. Focused mainly on building a good relationship between the befriender and the befriendee 4. Giving advice to befriendees about lifestyle and behaviour

Befriending and friendship Befriending involves creating and maintaining a personal relationship, so there are obviously elements of friendship present in a befriending relationship.

Befriending and friendship However, there are important differences. Whilst friendly, it is a professional relationship governed by boundaries and carried out in line with the outcomes of the supervising organisation.

It’s all about the relationship The relationship itself is the main focus of a befriending relationship. This is why good communication skills and an open, empathic attitude are the most important characteristics of a befriender.

Giving advice Befrienders and coordinators of befriending services often provide useful information about health and lifestyle to befriendees if requested.

Giving advice However, this is very different from giving advice and it is not part of the befriender’s role to give advice about any aspect of lifestyle or behaviour even if they are an expert in that field in their professional life.

Befriending is … (yes / no / maybe) 5. Focused on supporting the befriendee to reach certain goals 6. The key to solving all the befriendee’s problems 7. Giving help with practical tasks and problems 8. About the befriender as much as about the befriendee

Befriending and goals Befriending is about the relationship and the quality of the time spent together. Many personal goals may be achieved as a result of the increased confidence and wellbeing which this relationship brings …

Befriending and goals … and befrienders can be instrumental in supporting befriendees to resolve practical issues, BUT these are all essentially a by- product of the relationship itself.

The scope of befriending Befriending can have a powerful positive impact on the life of an isolated or lonely person, but it is important not to make promises which are either too wide or too specific to be realistically fulfilled.

Befriending and the befriender It is essential that the relationship is right for the befriender too. Coordinators need to check in regularly with befrienders to make sure they’re happy with how things are going.

Befriending is … (yes / no / maybe) 9. An informal way of providing counselling or therapy 10. Providing a relationship that others in the client’s life can not 11. Something a befriendee can turn to in an emergency 12. Something which essentially only involves two people – the befriender and the befriendee

Befriending is unique Befriending services work with people who lack meaningful informal social relationships. The essential support they provide is usually not available to befriendees in any other form.

Not an emergency service Befriending is a long-term, preventative intervention. Though befrienders need to be trained on how to respond should an emergency arise while they are with their befriender ….

Not an emergency service … organisations must make it clear to befriendees and befrienders alike that befrienders are not there to be called upon I an emergency.

Models of befriending delivery Face-to-face: 1:1 Groups Distance: Telephone / letter Intergenerational Projects: Residential setting Befrienders in groups Partnership delivery Shared resources Shared recruitment and referral pathways Delivery models

The benefits of befriending Increased confidence and self-esteem Increased involvement with communities More able to manage challenges of everyday life

The benefits of befriending More cohesive and integrated communities communities Less pressure on health and social care services Reductions in rates of crime, homelessness, substance abuse and suicide

The benefits of intergenerational befriending Greater communication and understanding between young and old Befrienders learn skills from past they have no other way of learning about. They impart ‘modern’ skills which will be useful to the befriendee Befriendees enjoy knowing that their skills and knowledge are appreciated. They gain practical knowledge of new skills

Setting up a befriending service Befriender Coordinator Befriendee

Setting up a befriending service One full-time coordinator If no other responsibilities, optimum 30 matches If other responsibilities, optimum 15 – 20 matches

The coordinator’s role To recruit, select, train and support befrienders To secure referrals to the service To match up befrienders and befriendees and to oversee the relationship

Funding: some key considerations A budget of at least £40,000 per year to support a full-time coordinator At least three years’ funding recommended Outcomes must be compatible with long-term befriending relationships

Discussion questions  What might be the benefits to your client group of developing an befriending service?  What do you think would be the main challenges facing your organisation in developing a befriending service? What resources would you need to overcome them?  What three actions could you take in the next month towards the development of a befriending service?

Increasing befriending provision for older people in Edinburgh