Our Befriending Discharge Service is designed to offer kind and private support to individuals aged 18+ who have been experiencing suicidal thoughts or have attempted to take one’s life. Our team of trained Discharge Buddies are here to give the help you need, whenever you need it over 6 – 8 weeks.

Our Goal

Our goal is to give immediate, kind, and private support to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or who have attempted to take their lives, ensuring no one has to face their struggles alone. Our service is here to offer both face-to-face and remote support to help you.

 

What We Offer

Non-Judgmental Support

Our Discharge Buddies are trained volunteers skilled in active listening and crisis intervention. They offer a safe space for you to talk about your feelings and receive support.

Comprehensive Training

All Discharge Buddies undergo rigorous training in active listening, suicide prevention techniques, and crisis intervention to ensure they are well-equipped to handle how you are feeling.

How It Works

Referral Process for Self-Referral/Professional Referral

  1. Initial Contact: If you are experiencing emotional distress, having suicidal thoughts or you have attempted to take your own life, you can self-refer to our service. Reach out to us, using the form below.
  2. Acknowledgement: Once we receive your referral, a Project Officer will acknowledge your request and arrange an initial meeting to understand your needs.
  3. Initial Meeting: During the initial meeting, we will discuss your needs and determine the level of support required.
  4. Matching with a Buddy: If suitable, you will be matched with a buddy who will give you the necessary support.
  5. Support Sessions: Your buddy will contact you to arrange the first meeting and give ongoing support through scheduled sessions, both face-to-face and remotely over a 6 – 8-week period.

Peer Support Intervention

Discharge Buddies use supportive techniques to handle how you are feeling and work with you towards your goals within the agreed timeframe.

Get Involved

Become a Discharge buddy

Join our team and make a difference. We give comprehensive training and regular supervision to support you in this vital role.

Commitment to Improvement

We continuously evaluate our service to ensure effectiveness. Your feedback is crucial in helping us improve and expand our services.

Confidentiality and Safety

We prioritise your privacy and safety, adhering to strict confidentiality and safeguarding procedures.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know needs support and wishes to self-refer, please reach out to our team. We are here to help, listen, and support you through difficult times. If you need help filling in these forms please contact 0330 0432651

Please note: this service is staffed Monday-Friday between 1pm-8pm, if you call out of these hours, leave your name and contact number and we will call you back as soon as possible

 

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Are you a professional referring a person in for support?
If you are a professional such as a GP or A&E worker, please tick yes. If you are self referring please choose no to continue.
Hertfordshire County Council logo featuring a silhouette of a stag standing on a curved line above the text 'Hertfordshire.

This service is funded by Hertfordshire County Council

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