The Mentoring Service provides support for people who feel isolated and alone and are experiencing difficulties caused by their mental health problems. The scheme places strong emphasis on empowerment and provides support by working with the client rather than for the client.

Dartford Gravesham and Swanley Mind started the Befriending Scheme (now known as the Mentoring Service) approximately 14 years ago, and it remains a successful and unique service which works within the principles of supporting the service users' needs, and reducing their isolation. In particular we help identify their goals and support them throughout the process of working to achieve them.

Aims and objectives of the Mentoring Service:

• Improve self confidence

• Improve self esteem

• Reduce the sense of isolation caused by mental ill health

• Reduces loneliness

• Enable people to become more independent

• Enable people to cope with their lives beyond the volunteer partnership

To achieve these aims the Mentoring Service offers time limited placements where people can:

• Express their concerns and feelings and have them listened to

• Become socially included in the community

• Obtain practical support

• Obtain assistance with developing self-help and coping skills

This support is provided by dedicated Volunteers who are carefully matched with individual, taking into account their interests and cultural needs. The volunteer will then begin the process of helping them reduce their isolation and achieve their goals.

Volunteers work on a one-to-one basis either in the peoples homes or the community. They encourage people to ‘move on’ in which ever way they feel has the greatest impact on the individuals perception of well being.

Volunteers are recruited within the local community from various sources such as universities and colleges. These volunteers may be studying Psychology/Psychotherapy, others have an interest in mental health and want to give something back to the community, whilst some have had mental health problems.

All our Volunteers claim for their travel and any other small expenses that they may incur. They all attend induction training and regular support sessions with the Mentoring Co-ordinator. They also have the option of attending various talks and workshops from professionals in the same field.

For further information either email or phone the office