Befrienders centers work to reduce suicide worldwide with 31,000 volunteers in almost 40 countries
Befrienders Worldwide Charter
Aim of the network
The aim of the global network (Befrienders Worldwide) is to encourage the development of effective support services, and by sharing information and working together improve our ability to:
- ensure maximum access for callers to appropriate emotional support services
- demonstrate effective service policy and practice
- share information
- offer mutual support
- influence policy both internally and externally
- encourage appropriate research.
Mission
As member centres our mission is:
- to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide, and
- to share information and work together, for greater efficacy.
Vision
Our vision is for a society in which fewer people die by suicide, and where people are able to explore their own feelings, and acknowledge and respect the feelings of others.
Values
Our values are based on these beliefs:
- The importance of having the opportunity to explore difficult feelings.
- That being listened to, in confidence and accepted without prejudice, can alleviate despair and suicidal feelings.
- That everyone has the right to make fundamental decisions about their own life, including the decision to die by suicide (the application of which is dependent on the local context and legal system).
Key common principles of Member centres
- The primary purpose of centres is to provide emotional support to people who are suicidal, or in general distress.
- Centres are mainly resourced by volunteers.
- Anonymity and confidentiality are respected.
- Centres are non-political and non-sectarian, and volunteers do not seek to impose their own convictions on anyone.
- Volunteers are selected, trained, mentored and supported by other experienced volunteers and any necessary relevant professional experts.
- Where appropriate, callers may be invited to consider seeking professional help in addition to the emotional support offered by the centre.
and - We are mutually supportive and committed to sharing information with fellow member centres, and participating in processes and activities of the network.
Read our Guiding Policies and Practices
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