Abstract
BackgroundVolunteers frequently participate in befriending schemes with people with mental illness. This study aimed to explore the motivations and experiences of volunteer befrienders engaging in these schemes in addition to the experiences of befriending recipients.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 volunteers and 23 befriending recipients, across 12 mental health befriending schemes in the UK, and analysed using Thematic Analysis. Volunteers highlighted their motivations for wanting to befriend. Individuals discussed their experiences, including the benefits and any challenges.ResultsAnalysis of interviews revealed the motivations for individuals to volunteer in mental health care, the experiences of both volunteers and recipients of befriending, as well as how complex the role of befriender is. The three overarching themes were (1) Personal growth & altruism as motivations for volunteering, (2) Impact of “doing things” versus “being there” and (3) Negotiating between professional role and friendship.ConclusionsA number of personal and altruistic factors motivate individuals to volunteer in mental health care. The experiences of both volunteers and befriendees convey important factors affecting these relationships. In particular, the nuance of the befriending role and the ways in which it can impact the lives of recipients. Indeed, such factors need to be considered when formulating these befriending schemes.
Highlights
Volunteers frequently participate in befriending schemes with people with mental illness
The present study explored the experiences and motivations of both volunteers and befriendees involved in a number of befriending schemes across the United Kingdom (UK)
Three broad themes were drawn from the data to describe the experiences of both volunteer befrienders and those receiving befriending in mental health care
Summary
Volunteers frequently participate in befriending schemes with people with mental illness. A number of the population living with mental illness experience an inability to integrate into their community [8] in addition to a profound feeling of social isolation [9] Across the United Kingdom, and internationally, a number of initiatives have been put into place, both by health care providers and voluntary organisations to address this social isolation Such attempts often involve the administration of social activities. One initiative of particular interest, in terms of cultivating social relationships, and enhancing mental health, is one-to-one support that is provided through befriending Befriending involves matching those with a mental illness with an unpaid, non-professional volunteer; the aim being to foster a companionship which provides reliable and regular support [8]
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