Befriending schemes

Social networks are seen to influence the use of health and social care services. In a secondary analysis of data from a longitudinal study of befriending of carers of people with dementia, the authors studied the relationship between network type and support from family/friends, voluntary sector befriending and residential/nursing care. Using Wenger's typology of social networks, finding suggest that the pattern of support use varies by differences in the structure of networks.

Short films of short break carers providing short breaks to disabled children and young people are presented to highlight the rewards of becoming a short break carer. The films look at care in different settings, including: family-based short break carers; contract (fee paid) carers; sitters; outreach workers; and befrienders. The carers explain what they do, the support and training they receive and why they enjoy it.