The Befrienders is a leading voluntary organisation in Bedfordshire and Luton, working in close partnership with other agencies to offer friendship and support to people with poor mental health, within a social context.

The Befrienders support is based on the simple idea that people are social beings, whose need is to belong and to have interaction with others.

The Befrienders offers a wide range of activities, at daytime clubs and venues throughout the county, as well as some evenings and weekend groups. Simultaneously the clubs provide an opportunity for quiet time , in the company of others. Specialist groups are held for those who may feel uncomfortable in the club environment. Outings to places of interest are a regular feature, as is the annual Befrienders holiday.

The Befrienders does not offer counselling or advice, but can signpost members to organisations that may be able to help.

Referrals to Befrienders come from various agencies, including Health/Primary Care Trusts, Social Services, Community Mental Health Teams, G.P. Surgeries, Probation Service. There is also a self-referral system. The Befrienders maintains the right to refuse a referral in order to maintain the balance of clubs and is unable to accept clients who have a history of violence.

Referrals to the Befrienders are to:

The Befrienders operates throughout Bedfordshire and Luton:

Bedford 01234 310088

Flitwick 01525 310088

Leighton Buzzard 01525 751147

Dunstable 01582 709226

Luton 01582 757625

The Befrienders Head Office is at the Rufus Centre, as above 01525 631323

Website: www.thebefrienders.ukcharities.com