z people the reader in question with Tash Young, administrator at the West Suffolk Befriending Scheme
Tell us about the Befriending Scheme? It provides friendship and learning opportunities for adults (16yrs+) from vulnerable groups, including those with mental health needs and older people, as well as our existing members with learning disabilities. We also offer various volunteering opportunities, with extra support, for those who need it. Founded as a registered charity in 1989 as the West Suffolk Befriending Scheme, our core activities are running regular drop-in centres, building meaningful one-to-one friendships between vulnerable people and volunteer befrienders.
I would imagine it can be very rewarding helping such people? Michael is my linked friend and we share so many things together from going on fishing trips to cooking, going for walks and having nights out together. Michael and I both share a passion for fishing but Michael has never had the chance to go as he had never been shown what to do. In turn Michael has taught me how to cook,
he grows his own vegetables and herbs in his garden and is often dropping them off and telling me what I can use them with when cooking dinner. We have also started to make cakes together.
How can anyone help the charity? You can volunteer at your local Befriending Scheme HUB group which is a place that our members can come to and enjoy different activities and themes every week, there is also a Pass it On initiative which asks people to come in and share a passion or hobby that they enjoy with our members, or like me, you could become a one-to-one linked befriender.
Away from work do you have family and have any hobbies/interest? Yes I have a daughter who is 11 and we both enjoy going on days out together. My hobbies are reading, learning, fishing and watching TV.
Any favourite places to visit in the area? I really enjoy walking round the water
meadows in Sudbury which is so full of wildlife, its easy to see why Gainsborough and Constable chose to paint in these areas, and I also like visiting Ickworth.
What is your favourite book and film? My favourite books are the Conversations with God series by Neal Donald Welsch. I am not a religious person at all and the title of these books will mislead some, but reading them has made me realise so many things about love, life and relationships. My favourite films are the Harry Potter films as I loved the books and grew up with them.
Best piece of advice you have been given? My mum has always said: “You don't need to struggle, you don't need to fight, you just have to know.” This means that no matter what anyone says or does to me as long as I know the truth in my heart that is all that truly matters.
n To find out more call 01787 371333 or visit
www.thebefriendingscheme.org.uk
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