Case Study: Mind in Harrogate District

2nd November 2024

Mind in Harrogate District’s befriending service supports people who are experiencing isolation, loneliness and anxiety. Service users meet with a volunteer befriender on a regular basis for walks, a café visit or a shopping trip.

Their case study shows how befriending can help people experiencing mental health issues to feel understood, valued and seen.

Someone who understands

Mind in Harrogate works with a woman in her 70s who is living alone. She has a history of mental illness and feels that her family do not understand her condition. Whilst doing some voluntary work part-time, she was looking for companionship at particular times of the week.

She has met with her befriender for 12 months. They meet once a week for one hour to enjoy a coffee and a chat. Over time, they got to know each other and became friends.

‘I wasn’t so sure at first but now I have found a really good friend. It is excellent. If everyone gets a befriender as good as I have they should be very pleased. It has been excellent for me, I have found a really good friend!’

“Time just flies by!”

The befriender also got a lot from their match. They said they were glad to have “something to do that’s for me, that’s nothing to do with my children and my caring role”. They look forward to their catchups each week.

When she’s well she has a wonderful sense of humour! We often spend two hours together because we are just chatting and time just flies by!’

‘Befriending is such a worthwhile and fulfilling thing to do. Sometimes, people with mental health problems just need a friend. A friend who won’t judge them, a friend who won’t criticise them, a friend who is completely impartial in every way, a friend who will just listen when they need it the most. For anyone who enjoys a cup of tea, slice of cake, and a good chat, befriending will be for them!