Befriender

Befriender

• Do you have a few hours spare each week? Do you want to gain experience working in a local mental health charity? Do want to support people going through a difficult time?

Then ACMHS needs you.

African and Caribbean Mental Health Services (ACMHS) is a Manchester based community organisation. We provide a free confidential and culturally appropriate mental health service predominantly to African and African Caribbean people as well as other minority groups, including White Europeans living in Manchester and surrounding areas aged 18 and over, who are experiencing depression, stress, anxiety, severe and enduring mental health problems.  We also provide support for their carers and families.

We are looking for a Befriender who enjoys meeting and engaging with people from a wide range of backgrounds.

The Befriender will:

• Support service users in various settings Accompany service users to appointments/shopping Help to motivate, empower and encourage service users to become more active ie: going for a walk/gym Encourage service users to merge back into their community, especially after hospital release ie: visiting the cinema, going for a coffee, visiting other community groups

Experience/Skills/Attributes

• Willingness and commitment to work with people who are experiencing some form of mental distress Reliable, responsible, sensitive, patient and uphold confidentiality Good listener Knowledge of local services and facilities

A DBS is required for volunteers, which is covered by ACMHS.

Volunteers will be provided with:

• Travel expenses
• Training in mental health awareness, safeguarding, first aid and other relevant training once registered with the organisation
• Refreshments