The service will offer a link to volunteers who can help and support in times of crisis and the opportunity to work towards goals and aspirations with practical guidance. Kairos’ Befriending Service aims; • To help build self-esteem, confidence and a positive identity. • To encourage Service Users to take responsibility for their lives; • To encourage Service Users towards a healthier lifestyle; • To develop, support or repair links between families; The women we support benefit greatly from one to one support. Each woman is individual and this will be reflected in their varying needs. Issues that can be supported by a Befriender; Isolation from families, friends and community. Lack of self confidence, self esteem and motivation. Feelings of low self worth Bouts of depression and anxiety disorders. Feeling like there is nowhere to turn to for help and support. Feeling like there is no one to listen to them and nobody cares Feeling judged by others. Frustration with services that are meant to help but they may have difficulty accessing. How the Befriending Scheme works. Role of the Befriender Befriender Volunteers are placed in a position of trust whereby they are offering support in a responsible, sensitive and caring manner often to very vulnerable and isolated women. It is important to ensure that the relationship with the client is transparent, that they are accepting of them, and that they show understanding as a reliable, consistent and dependable Befriender Volunteer. Areas of Support can include the following: • Help in contacting outside agencies. • Assisting with completing relevant forms or finding agencies to assist. • Developing social skills • Identifying educational and training opportunities • Job search (paid or voluntary) • Budgeting & developing payment plans • Emotional support, advocacy & liaison • Help in establishing social contacts and involvement in recreational activities. • Help in establishing personal safety & well being; • Accompanying when attending a variety of appointments Benefits to the Service Users • Dedicated one to one support • The opportunity to discuss personal concerns • Support in addiction, and prevention of relapse • Increased self confidence, self esteem and self-motivation • Developing life skills and employability • Providing companionship • An independent, confidential and neutral supporter • Access to organised activities and events including training and workshops. Outcomes from Project: The outcomes from the project will be the service users; Feeling more positive about themselves Gaining new skills and opportunities Reducing their drug use Reducing sex working Increasing their quality of life Increasing life chances and employability Cost: We are looking for funding to part fund the befriending scheme. To build up the befriending scheme to offer more service users the opportunity to have one to one support we need funding to cover training costs. Funds sought will cover a Comprehensive Training Package for 12 volunteers and ongoing support to matched pairs. Room hire, Salaries, Volunteer Expenses will be sought from other charitable trusts.