IS BEFRIENDING RIGHT FOR ME?
Regular scheduled calls with a trained volunteer befriender. Someone to listen, without judgement.
✓ THIS SERVICE IS FOR YOU IF:
- • You're an adult (18+) living in Essex
- • You're consistently reachable by phone
- • You're not suitable for counselling but need regular contact
- • You need emotional support or signposting
- • You want someone to talk to regularly
✗ THIS SERVICE ISN'T RIGHT IF:
- • You have unreliable contact or refuse to engage
- • You use threatening, inappropriate, or abusive language
- • Your mental health is deteriorating and requires clinical intervention
- • You disclose intent to harm yourself/others without a safety plan
- • You're under 18 or don't live in Essex
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Format: Regular scheduled phone calls
- Wait time: Approximately 4 weeks
- Befrienders: Trained volunteers who listen without judgement
- Duration: Clients typically stay engaged for about 6 weeks
- Cost: Completely free