Hillingdon Mind Projects
Asian Befriending Scheme

A borough wide service for Hillingdon's Asian Community with a mental health problem, their families, friends or carers. We offer:

• Social contact
• Mutual Support
• Information and Advice

There is an enormous stigma around mental illness in the Asian community but Hillingdon Mind's Asian project is perceived by many as user friendly. It continues to raise awareness around the needs of the community and keep them high on the mental health agenda.

Volunteer Opportunities

We are constantly looking for reliable and committed volunteers who can give some time to others. Through the recruitment and training of volunteers the befriending scheme aims to provide people with mental health problems a supportive relationship in the Asian community. Volunteers also provide help in the support groups and the drop-in. Knowledge of at least one Asian language is required.

The project currently consists of Dosti, Aasra, Sahara and Sam-milan:

• Dosti - Asian Befriending Scheme
  
  This scheme, the first of it's kind in the UK uses fully trained volunteer Befrienders to people who are isolated by their mental illness and may lack the confidence in coping with demands of everyday life. Often Asian people who require service do not know where to go for help, they can also have language difficulties. Our volunteers can offer support in different Asian languages.
  
  Befrienders offer on average a minimum of two hours support and or practical help each week to their friends according to the needs of the individual.
  
  Volunteer Befrienders are required to attend a preparation course and regular supervision. Through peer support and supervision any problems or concerns in the befriending relationship can be explored. "Dosti" leaflets are available in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Gujerati and Bengali.
  
  
• Aasra - Asian Women's Group - Tuesday 10-12 noon
  
  A group for women with anxiety and depression, at Mead House, Hayes End Road, Hayes.
  
  
  
• Sahara - Asian Support Group - Wednesday 10-12 noon
  
  A group for people with long standing mental health problems at Mead House, Hayes End Road, Hayes.
  
  
  
• Sam-milan - Asian Drop-in - Thursday 10-12 noon
  
  Our Asian drop-in offers social contact, mutual support, information and advice, outings, celebrations of various cultural and religious ceremonies at the Pembroke Centre, 90 Pembroke Road, Ruislip.