The Befriending Scheme - Haverhill

The Befriending Scheme provides friendship and learning opportunities for adults (16yrs+) from vulnerable groups, including those with mental health needs, as well as our existing members with learning disabilities. We also offer various volunteering opportunities with extra support for those who need it

Our regular drop-in centres, known as hubs, provide a place for our members to learn new skills, have fun and make friends. Running at six locations across Suffolk, the range of activities on offer is increasing all the time. Our members try their hands at drama, music and crafts, and enjoy games, cooking and relaxing over tea and biscuits.

Each Hub is run by a TBS Area Coordinator and supported by a team of dedicated volunteers. There are around 25 members at every Hub aged between 18 and 80! 

Haverhill Hub group:

HAVERHILL HUB (FRIDAY and WEDNESDAY) GROUPS ARE OPEN.

Haverhill Hub (Friday) is a group for adults with Learning Disabilities and / or mental health issues aged 16 and over to access a range of activities including workshops, sports, crafts and information.

Haverhill (Cookery) Hub – Every Wednesday 10:00am-3:00pm at Leiston Community Centre, and every Friday 10:00am-3:00pm at Chalkstone Community Centre (OPEN)

Please contact Will Ginno 07818 343739

HAVERHILL OUT & ABOUT IS OPEN - contact Will Ginno for more information / to request a monthly schedule.

One to One Befriending Service.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Is a One-To-One Befriender?

A Befriender is a volunteer who would like to spend some time with a member on a regular basis and provide them with friendship, company and support.  Volunteers and members may meet once a week, once a fortnight or once a month for a couple of hours. Meetings will be arranged with the support of your Link Co-ordinator.

Befrienders are there to listen and to talk with. If able to, members can get out and about with their befriender to carry out social activities including meeting for a coffee, going to the cinema amongst other things. Befrienders may also be able to visit the member at home in circumstances where the member is unable to leave their home. Members and volunteer befrienders are matched on location, hobbies and interests and personality.

All volunteers will have completed a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and will have completed an induction to the service.

What About Care and Support Needs?

 The purpose of the one-to-one service is for volunteer Befrienders to provide individuals with company and companionship. Volunteers are not trained in personal care and are not responsible for addressing any personal care and support needs.

Does This Service Apply To Individuals With Dementia?

The Befriending Scheme will consider applications where the individual has Dementia, providing the individual meets the criteria outlined above. For safety reasons, The Befriending Scheme cannot accept referrals where the individual has surpassed a stage that we feel they would no longer benefit from the service.

How Can I Apply For This Service?

If you would like to apply to have a befriender, or would like to refer an individual to the service, you will need to complete a referral application form.

Please download the application form from our website. Alternatively, you may call the office on 01787 371 333 to request an application form be sent to you.

You will need to return a hard copy of the application form by post to:

The Befriending Scheme

1 The Croft

Sudbury, Suffolk,

CO10 1HN

Once the application form has been received, the relevant Link Co-ordinator will be in touch to discuss eligibility. Individuals who are eligible will then go on to our waiting list for a Befriender. For individuals who are not eligible, we will do our best to signpost them to other organisations or support groups that may be better suited to their needs.

If you would like to know more about this service, please contact us on 01787 371 333 or email us at info@thebefriendingscheme.org.uk