Community Companions is a befriending service available to anyone in Bradford district and Craven aged 18 and over. 

The service supports people who are struggling with loneliness, social isolation and mental health issues.

After you have made an application for befriending support we will match you with a befriender based on your likes and interests. Your befriender will meet with you for up to one hour each week for up to three months.

Home visits are now available for anyone who is struggling with their mental health and has mobility problems and so cannot get out into the community.

PLEASE NOTE: We cannot offer a mix of home visits and community visits for one individual. Home visits are ONLY for those who cannot get out at all. Community visits would be for everyone else.

Volunteer

We were perfect partners, lots in common. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.

Person supported

I personally feel as well helping those I support I also get the same support from those I befriend.

Volunteer

Neil’s story

Watch this video to hear how Neil was supported by Community Companions.

Neil’s story is available to read here.

Who is eligible for support from Community Companions?

You must be:

• 18 years old or over

• Willing and able to give informed consent to this referral and to engage with befriending activity

• Be experiencing loneliness, social isolation, low mood, anxiety or depression and could benefit from face-to-face social interaction with a volunteer befriender in the community.

• Live in Bradford District (Bradford, Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale)

• Be struggling with mental heath and have mobility problems, preventing them from going out

Referrals for Community Companions must not:

• Lack mental capacity to consent to this referral

• Pose a risk to others, including staff and volunteers

• Have drug or alcohol abuse problems, or unsafe living environment

Can I get support from Community Companions in different languages?

We currently offer befriending support in English, Punjabi and Urdu. Other languages may be available, please contact us before you submit your referral application. 

[email protected]

How do I make a referral?

You can refer yourself or someone else as long as you have their consent. To make a referral please complete the online referral form. If you are struggling to complete the form please contact us for support with your referral on:

[email protected]

Or call us on: 

01274 730815

What will happen after I submit a referral to Community Companions?

After completing your referral form we’ll match you with a befriending volunteer based on your preferences. Your befriender will meet you for one hour every week for three months. They will help build your confidence and gradually encourage you to access to local community groups, activities and services that help with your mental health and wellbeing. 

If you have applied for home visits, one of the team will be in touch to organise a home visit so we can complete a risk assessment for safety of you and your volunteer.

After this, we will match you with a volunteer based around your hobbies and interests. Support will be for three months at your home.

Volunteer as a befriender

To find out more about volunteering head to our volunteering page or check out the videos and blog post below:

[VIDEO] Hisfah’s story – supporting others through befriending

[VIDEO] David’s story – supporting others through befriending

[BLOG] What does befriending mean to you?

 

 

Hisfah’s story, supporting others

 

Latest News

View all news
Meet Uzma – Guide-Line Support Worker

Meet Uzma – Guide-Line Support Worker

Uzma is one of our longest-serving members of staff having worked at Bradford District and […]

Posted on: 17th December 2024

£2.5m funding granted for young people’s mental health across Bradford District

£2.5m funding granted for young people’s mental health across Bradford District

Support for young people’s mental health has been given a huge boost across Bradford district, […]

Posted on: 11th December 2024

Ayesha’s story

Ayesha’s story

Aston Knight is a Community Engagement Worker based at Bradford’s African Caribbean Achievement Project (ACAP). […]

Posted on: 11th December 2024

Bradford 2025 Unveils Ground-breaking Creative Health Programme

Bradford 2025 Unveils Ground-breaking Creative Health Programme

We are excited to announce that Bradford District and Craven Mind will be partnering with […]

Posted on: 3rd December 2024

Join our mailing list

To hear all about Bradford District and Craven Mind’s services, events, latest news and how you can get involved in our projects and fundraising activities, please fill in the form below.