Volunteering friendship: Exploring the impact on the Befriending Volunteer’s mental wellbeing
Authors
Maguire, Brónagh
Issue Date
2021
Degree
BA Hons in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
Current research demonstrates the positive impact of befriending interventions on older vulnerable adults. However, volunteer befriender experience has been overlooked. This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of befriender’s attitudes and experiences of how befriending may impact one’s mental wellbeing. Qualitative research was carried out with five befrienders describing their experiences in semi-structured interviews. Quotes from transcripts were categorised. Five themes reflecting befrienders’ experiences were taken from the data using thematic analysis: (a) Volunteer, friend, or carer? (b) ALONE support and communication, (c) Volunteer feedback is essential, (d) Our mental health is just as important as theirs, and (e) Impact of covid-19. Implications of these themes highlight the need for regular supervision and support with a specific focus on the befriender mental wellbeing in befriending programmes across a range of social care settings.