Bramber Bakehouse

Connections 121 Befriending Service

Recruiting Volunteers

About Bramber Bakehouse

Bramber Bakehouse is an award-winning charity, supporting women who have experienced gender-based violence, abuse, exploitation or displacement, to gain the confidence, knowledge and skills they need for a safe, purposeful and independent future. We deliver a trauma-informed programme, using baking as a therapeutic tool, in a safe, nurturing, inclusive environment, complemented by wellbeing sessions to equip women with the tools they need to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Participants have the opportunity to access Bramber Bakehouse’s Progression Programmes for continued 121 support: Connections 121 Befriending offers continued support to improve health & wellbeing through social connection.

27, Edison Road, Eastbourne, England, BN23 6PT

Service Eligibility

Participants of Bramber Bakehouse’s Baking & Wellbeing Programme can progress onto our Connections 121 Befriending.

Baking & Wellbeing Programme Referral Criteria:

Are over the age of 18;

Have experienced one or more of the following:

Modern Slavery
Human trafficking
Exploitation
Gender-based violence
Displacement;

Have a good, conversational level of English (ESOL Entry Level 2);
Are engaging with mental health support, if applicable;
Are engaging with drug and alcohol intervention, if applicable;
Live within Sussex;
Are willing to commit to attending the full eight-week programme.

As part of our trauma-informed practice, we ask that participants be in a stage of recovery where the risk of being negatively impacted by the work is significantly reduced i.e. by personal therapy, experience, passage of time.

Information for Volunteers

We are looking for kind, caring and committed volunteers to provide weekly befriending (via 30 minute scheduled telephone and/ or google meet video calls) to their match over 12 sessions. Befrienders provide a consistent relationship of trust and support, providing an opportunity for regular social connection and friendly, non-judgemental conversation.

Commitment: Approximately 1.5 hours per week (weekly befriending call + related admin & support). Up to 12 sessions per befriending match. Calls may take place Monday – Thursday, between 9am to 4pm for up to 30 minutes.

Skills & Qualities:

Female 21+

A warm, friendly & positive attitude, understanding, empathetic and non-judgemental approach

A clear sense of personal & professional boundaries

Organised and reliable

Good communication skills, standard of English & IT skills

A support system in place for own needs

More Information

Age Groups

Young People (18-25), Adults (25-65), Older Adults (65+)

Themes

Domestic Abuse, Mental Health

Regions

Country: England

Other Regions: South East England

Other Information

Type of Befriending: Distance befriending including telephone, video call, letter writing or other means

Who can refer: Professional Referrals Accepted