Over the past three years, Space to Breathe has been recruiting volunteers to link with people within the Mental Health system to support them as Buddies or Befrienders. The scheme has been incredibly popular but sadly we’ve taken the decision to now close the scheme.
We began this as part of our Tackling Inequalities Project (working with Sheffield Community Forensic Team in 2019) recruiting 50 volunteers and then training them to be Buddies to people who’ve experienced Mental Health challenges and as a result have needed medical or clinical care. The buddies were there to provide peer support and encouragement, being a supportive friend to someone who’s experienced some mental health challenges and is in the care system in some way.
CLOSING THE PROJECT
Sadly although we’ve asked in a number of places, we’ve been unable to fund the scheme any further. For the last year we’ve run the Buddy scheme on individual donations or in an unfunded way but now sadly are unable to carry on. Those who are already linked with a volunteer will be able to continue to be supported but we won’t be taking on any new buddies or new referrals for the scheme.
We’re not closing the door to reopening the project in the future, but for now, the scheme will close.
HOW DID THIS HELP PEOPLE?
Part of our hope for the future and also for the success of the project has been how effective this project has been.
Linking a Buddy with an Individual who’s receiving Mental Health support provided vital social connections and builds confidence during their care. Buddies might be a person to meet for a cup of tea or a game of chess. A Buddy might be able to take someone for a walk, or accompany them to a group. Maybe a Buddy might be able to help deal with personal admin or support an individual as they seek housing or support. This scheme is flexible so that each person’s needs can be met
Space to Breathe’s Mental Health buddies have been people over the age of 18 from every ethnicity and background across our city of Sheffield. We equipped and trained to provide support - human to human and each volunteer has gone away with qualifications they can use in other settings like Mental Health First Aid.
“Space to Breathe’s Buddy Scheme really helped me. I was supported by a person who genuinely cared, who knew what to do when I struggled and provided me genuine friendly support. I was so surprised and impressed to hear they were a volunteer. I think this is a great scheme.”
(A service user)