Mental Health Befriending Service. Mind in Harrogate District is looking for volunteers befrienders to support people in the Ripon area who would benefit from developing social relationships by meeting a volunteer befriender on a regular basis for walks, a cup of coffee or to go on a shopping trip.
Our befriending coordinator is available to meet you locally to discuss the role. We have an offices in the Ripon Library where we deliver an outreach service on a Friday.
You can volunteer in other areas with us if this suits your circumstances better.
If you are a compassionate, friendly and positive individual living in the Harrogate District and want to get involved in supporting people within the community, then volunteering as a befriender could be for you.
The befriender provides human companionship and possibly some extra emotional support to help the befriendee to try something new, rebuild confidence and/or connection with a community group, hobby or interest ?
Volunteer befrienders typically meet their befriendee for 1 hour a week during the working week between 9-5.
Meetings are in a public setting at a mutually agreed location with no home visits involved.
A full induction is provided as well as appropriate training. A volunteer forum is held for befrienders and the befriending coordinator provides regular support and feedback during the befriending relationship.
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Mind in Harrogate District is a local independent charity which is part of the national Mind Federation supporting people with their mental health. Our vision is that people in Harrogate District have the best possible mental health they can. We promote and improve health and wellbeing in individuals and communities using a range of activities and services.
Telephone Support
We are open 8.30am to 5pm weekdays so if you need someone to talk to or would like a weekly call then get in touch.
Outreach Support
Mind in Harrogate District covers the whole district and we typically run signposting and information sessions in Pateley Bridge, Masham, Ripon and Boroughbridge.
Counselling
We provide a confidential, professional counselling service accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Our service is for people struggling with a range of challenges such as anxiety, depression or stress. We offer sessions either face to face, via telephone or via Zoom.
Mental Health Befriending
We know that human companionship is really important in maintaining positive mental health. Our befriending service matches clients with volunteer befrienders and offers the opportunity to meet for regular walks, a cup of coffee or shopping trips. Our befriending coordinator is available to meet in Pateley Bridge, Masham, Ripon and Boroughbridge.as well as our Harrogate office.
Mental Health Support Programme
Our monthly support programme covers a whole range of activities from arts & crafts, a walking group, a gardening group, a women’s group, relaxation and mindfulness sessions plus social sessions where you can relax and meet people in a friendly environment.
We also offer a range of courses which are designed to help people manage their mental health and aid recovery. Check out our website for more information.
Mental Health First Aid Training for businesses
We offer a flexible package of mental health first aid training and support for businesses, schools and organisations to raise awareness of mental health challenges in the workplace.
We have considerable experience helping managers and employees to better manage mental health and support people who may be struggling with their own mental health.
Specialist advice for people with mental health problems and their carers.
Working with Citizens Advice Craven and Harrogate Districts we provide quick access and specialist advice on benefits, consumer matters, debt and money and housing and employment matters.
Volunteering opportunities
Volunteers are at the heart of our organisation and are essential to the work that we do - helping us deliver services and improve the lives of people in our community.
We are always looking for new volunteers who are passionate about supporting people with mental health issues and joining our small team of dedicated staff.
Contact us to access any of our services or if you are interested in volunteering with us.
