BORDER COUNTIES BEFRIENDING PROJECT

10/03/2010

A Border Region Befrinding Project

Cavan Family Resource Centre has received funding from the EU Peace lll Programme to offer a Befriending Service in Counties Fermanagh, Monaghan, Leitrim and Cavan.  Those affected in any way by the Troubles in the Border Region are particularily welcome to avail of this Service.   

 

What is a Befriending Scheme?

A Befriending Scheme is an arrangement where a trained Volunteer visits someone who has very few social outlets.  The Volunteer is known as the Befriender and the person being visited is known as the Befriendee.

Befriending is:

  • Spending time together....
  • Having fun....
  • Chatting with a companion you can trust....
  • Going places together....
  • Offering encouragement....
  • Opportunity to meet others....

 

How often does the Volunteer visit?

Visits are arranged to suit both parties and are agreed by those involved.  Normally it will be an hour or two per visit. 

 

How do the Befriender and Befriendee pass the time they spend together? 

Activities will have been broadly agreed at the first visit and may include going out for a snack, a social event, a cross-border/cultural event, or just chatting over a cup of tea in the Befriendees' home.

 

Are there any fees involved in joining the Border Counties Befriending Project?

There are no fees, but the person being visited is liable for the cost of their own social activities.

 

Are there any activities that a Volunteer cannot get involved in?

The Volunteer Befriender will visit in the role of a 'friend'. The Volunter is not a Counsellor, Dating Partner or Home Help/Carer and will not be in a position to undertake such roles.

 

Contact Details:

If you would like further information for yourself or someone you know, please contact:

Philomena Finnegan,                                  Border Counties Befriending Project            Main St                                                                      Cavan                                                                    Co Cavan

Phone: 00353 49 4372999                                    Email bfriending@gmail.com

 

A project supported by Peace lll Programme managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by the Community Relations Council/Pobal Consortium.