Let’s all come together to reduce loneliness in our community

This year, Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 9th to 15th May.

This annual event focuses on improving good mental health across the nation and is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation. This year’s theme is the impact of loneliness and how we can tackle it.

At Bucks Mind, we offer a range of local services to help reduce loneliness amongst our community, including our vital Befriending service. We’re calling out for more volunteer Befrienders so that we can help more people who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation.

Can you help reduce loneliness and isolation in our local community?

More Befriending volunteers are needed to provide invaluable support to local people who are lonely or isolated as a result of mental ill-health. There is a waiting list for Befriending service users, as more volunteers are urgently required to help run this free service. Full training and support is provided.

Befriending Volunteer John said,

“Never would I have thought how immensely satisfying volunteering in the field of mental health would be! I can honestly say it has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Getting to know the service users, making friendships and just being there to listen to people in need – what better way to give a few hours of your time?

Whether you have been thinking about volunteering or if this is the first time it might have crossed your mind I would say, just go for it! Bucks Mind really does need your help.”

Throughout the week, service users of Bucks Mind’s Befriending, Peer Support, Wellbeing and Older Adult Groups will be exploring and expressing their thoughts on loneliness through poetry, discussion and art.  In addition, our Training team will be offering discounted courses for a limited time.

Click here to find out more about Bucks volunteer Befriending