Pembrokeshire Mind's Befriending Scheme sent 'Sponsor a Volunteer' forms to local businesses to fund the travel expenses of volunteer Befrienders in Pembrokeshire, which average £240 per volunteer per year are a huge drain on limited resources.

Pembrokeshire Mind gratefully accepted a cheque for £500 from Texaco, which will cover the travel expenses of two volunteers visiting individuals in the Milford Haven area.

Pembrokeshire Mind's Befriending Scheme offers individuals suffering emotional or mental distress one-to-one support and companionship and aims to help them develop a more fulfilling life. Volunteer Befrienders under go basic training and have regular supervision and support to enable them to support individuals all over the county.

The main problem these individuals face is one of isolation and loneliness and knowing that someone will visit them each week can make an enormous difference to their lives and enable them to regain self-confidence and self-esteem.

The Befriending Scheme is always in need of volunteer Befrienders to support individuals on the ever-growing waiting list. There is a training course beginning this month, so if you want to make a difference this year, contact Laura Hayden on (01437) 769982.