Befriending mentoring and peer support
Befriending, mentoring and peer support schemes have been shown to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of a range of groups, but particularly those who are at risk of social isolation, social exclusion and mental health problems. Schemes focusing on connecting people with activities and support can allow them to grow networks that can support them now and in the future.
Schemes can offer different types of support such as:
- one-to-one support from someone who may have similar life experiences or share a similar condition
- befriending focusing on a particular outcome such as successful hospital-to-home transitions
- peer support that can help people to build and sustain local connections and activity-based support.
- Preventing loneliness and social isolation: interventions and outcomes
- Community Team Plus
- Community Circles
- Renew 37 - New Life Baptist Church
- Mental Health Creative Support Service - Creativity Works
- Sandwell Community Offers
- Allsorts from Heart n Soul
- North London Cares / South London Cares
- Dementia Friendship Scheme
- LinkAge Bristol
- Time for Life
- Contact the Elderly Tea Parties
