BEFRIENDERS HIGHLAND Relieving isolation and loneliness for people with mental ill health across Highland and Argyll and Bute

Who are we? Established 1993 in Inverness providing 1- 1 befriending across Highland

Current Services Face to face services Distance befriending Telephone befriending: Dementia Distance befriending for dementia carers

Distance Befriending Offers 3 methods of social contact: Telephone Letter

Befriending Dementia Successful pilot Uses Distance Befriending model Increases sense of wellbeing in early stage dementia Highlighted unmet need of carers

What do our friendships achieve? “Weekly calls from X are by far the most positive thing in his week. He now has a notebook and writes down what happens so he remembers to tell X when he calls”. “I know when X is calling because I am banished to the kitchen so he can have peace. I am delighted because it means I have the best part of an hour to be me” and do what I want” “She remembers her friend X and chats away like she has known her for years. The matching was so spot on Mum thinks she has been friends with X since they were small. She can’t remember the names of her grandchildren but she remembers the name of X”

Who is eligible? Diagnosed with dementia or having memory problems Live in Highland Able to use telephone Adults caring for person with dementia

Referral process Any health care professional Self Family Consent

Befriending Relationship Offers social contact Confidential No advice given

Matching Process Compatibility Not always immediate Trial period

Ongoing Befriending Volunteer support Reviews Coordinator's role

Closing the Friendship When no longer beneficial Friends – individually assessed Carers - access to counselling Face-to-Face Dementia Pilot

Volunteer Support and Training Two references PVG Disclosure Complete 7 workbooks Support of coordinator

Summary Easy to refer Reduces social isolation Safe Enjoyable