Battersea Befriending Network (BBN) is looking for volunteers to befriend individuals living in Wandsworth who are experiencing social isolation because of mental health problems.

BBN provides free training by mental health professionals and ongoing support in the form of one-to-one mentoring and bi-monthly Support & Supervision Groups.

Their next training course takes place on Wednesday 15^th April (7.00 to 9.30pm), Saturday 18^th April (10.00 to 3.30pm) and Saturday 25^th April (10.00 to 3.30pm) close to Battersea Park.

BBN is a small charitable organisation which recruits, trains and supports volunteers on a one-to-one basis to befriend those living in Wandsworth who experience isolation because of mental health problems, and who have been referred to BBN by local Community Mental Health Teams and other agencies. Through personal friendship they assist people in their recovery process by building hope and confidence together.

Volunteers are asked to commit for a minimum of six months. The amount of time they spend with the person they befriend is entirely by mutual agreement, but the most common arrangement is one to two hours, either weekly or fortnightly, depending on the volunteer's availability.

Activities shared may include visits to a local café, park and shops, cycling or other sporting interests. This can play a crucial part in building a person's hope and confidence and assisting their recovery and reintegration into society.

Volunteers must be over 18, and previous experience is not required. Volunteers should have an open, non-judgemental attitude and be good listeners. Those who themselves have experienced mental health difficulties are welcome. Travel expenses incurred will be reimbursed.

For more details, please call Richard Trout on 020 8947 5788 or email richard.trout@virgin.net. You can follow BBN on Twitter and Facebook.