With one in four Scots likely to suffer from mental health problems in their lifetime the need for understanding and support grows greater day by day.
Just as in physical illness, we can become a sufferer without warning at any time,
and the effects can be worrying, or they can be life changing.
Stresses of modern
day living have added to the levels of mental health problems, with depression, anxiety
attacks, and other stress related difficulties on the increase.
What is Befriending?
Over
the last few years caring for people with a mental health problem in the community
has become increasingly difficult. With constant demand placed on mental health services,
and the breakdown of traditional family structures, what can be done to help people
who really need support?
COMPANIONS is a scheme administered by Mental Health Aberdeen
(MHA) that matches caring, reliable and well trained volunteers with people in the
local community who have mental health problems. It seeks to provide regular social
contact, promoting a trusting relationship between client and volunteer. It works
to promote the principles of social inclusion and recovery.
Recovery has been defined as follows:
Recovery is happening when people can live well in the presence or absence of their mental illness and the many losses that may come in its wake, such as isolation, poverty, unemployment, and discrimination. Recovery does not always mean that people will return to full health or retrieve all their losses, but it does mean that people can live well in spite of them. (Curtis, 1997)
Why the COMPANIONS scheme?
Loneliness, failure, fear and a loss of self-esteem are some of the feelings reported
by people with mental health problems. They may live far from family support or may
suffer from the unreasonable social stigma that mental health problems incur, leading
to isolation.
The need for a service offering social contact for people in the community
who suffer from mental health problems has been realised for some time. We need volunteers
to make this scheme a success.
Curtis, L. 1997. New Directions: International Overview of Best Practices in Recovery and Rehabilitation Services for People with Serious Mental Illness, A Discussion Paper. NZ: The Commission to inform the development of a National Blueprint for Mental Health Services. http://www.mhc.govt.nz/publications/1997/New_Directions.htm
- Life
- Work
- Money
- Relationships
- Time
- Stress
- Problems
Who do you turn to?
People who experience mental health problems have the same troubles as everyone. Loneliness and isolation can make them feel even worse.
Who can they turn to?
Click here to find out about volunteering
About the COMPANIONS Befriending Scheme
The COMPANIONS Befriending Scheme is based
in the Peterhead / Fraserburgh and Banff / Turriff area in North East Scotland. We
train reliable, sympathetic and willing volunteers to improve the quality of life
for people with mental health problems.
