Lockdown with Friends in Need in East Berkshire

Do you know anyone who is lonely, depressed, anxious and isolated? We can help!

From all of us at Friends in Need, we hope that you are keeping safe and well.

As more people than ever may be struggling with anxious thoughts around our new normality with fears about the future, our service is more valuable than ever. Our regular virtual activities are helping to create structure in these uncertain times and our members are telling us that we are helping them to reduce their feelings of social isolation.

“If you were not here, I don’t know what I would do, all the actives especially during lock down are a god send”, Friends in Need member.

How to refer

Please refer your clients/patients who may be finding life difficult and could benefit straight away from the magic of peer support at Friends in Need. The referral process is quick and simple:

Please telephone our friendly co-ordinator for your area with a few details about your client so that we can get in touch straight away: We aim to make contact within three working days.

• Kara hale, Bracknell: 07914 669430 Email: kara.hale@bucksmind.org.uk
• Charlene Morgan, Slough: 07950 303832 Email: charlene.morgan@bucksmind.org.uk
• Ansa Khan, Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead: 07887 565744 Email: ansa.khan@bucksmind.org.uk

We will make contact with them directly, via your client’s preferred method of communication and complete a welcome form together. Our new member to join in our activities as soon as possible and for those who cannot currently use Zoom or Facebook, we have various support initiatives in place to assist them. For those who do not wish to or find technology too difficult, we have a buddy system and make regular phone calls to check in our members so that they no longer feel isolated.

Please be aware that our service is not suitable for those who are already accessing secondary mental health services: Our Peer Support service is suitable for those with mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety resulting in loneliness and social isolation.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions whatsoever or would like more detailed information or a presentation about our service. I would be delighted to virtually attend a team meeting and tell you all about us and the wonderful service we offer.

Warm wishes,

Debbie Workman
Friends in Need Team Lead
Buckinghamshire Mind

Mobile: 07508 350545 

If you would like to join Friends in Need or if you would like to make a referral for a client, please let me know and I will refer on to our Area Coordinators

• www.bucksmind.org.uk
• www.friendsinneed.co.uk