{"id":4155,"date":"2022-07-29T14:33:52","date_gmt":"2022-07-29T13:33:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ie.depaulcharity.org\/?post_type=news&p=4155"},"modified":"2023-04-18T12:31:33","modified_gmt":"2023-04-18T11:31:33","slug":"community-befriending-matt-brian","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/ie.depaulcharity.org\/news\/community-befriending-matt-brian\/","title":{"rendered":"Community Befriending: Matt & Brian"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Community Befriending<\/h2>\n

The Community Befriending service<\/a> was established in Depaul in response to a need among ex-residents of Back Lane Hostel<\/a> to help with the change to independent living. Once a service user is referred to the program by Back Lane staff they are matched with a Befriending volunteer. Through the support of dedicated volunteers, participants are encouraged to re-engage with local communities and establish supportive relationships with their peer group.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Matt has been a Befriending Volunteer since 2019. Brian was a resident in Back Lane, before moving onto independent living in 2010. The two have been paired as part of Depaul\u2019s Befriending Programme since 2019. Here they tell us more about the importance of the Community Befriending Programme to support those moving on from homelessness.<\/p>\n

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An Unlikely Pair <\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you could see Matt and Brian together, you would think they were lifelong friends. They share an easiness together, a comfort that comes from understanding another person with no judgement.<\/p>\n

The pair agree that they are complete opposites \u2013 and it works. Brian with his larger than life personality, while Matt describes himself as a much quieter man.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m quite dull actually. Brian is the interesting one! I could listen to him talk all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two have known each other just 3 years, having been linked together through Depaul\u2019s Community Befriending Programme. They met up weekly to share a cup of tea together and continued their weekly outings as soon as it was safe after Covid.<\/p>\n

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Shared Interests<\/strong><\/h2>\n

They both share similar interests, which helps them to talk and laugh, without having to speak about the heavy stuff.<\/p>\n

Brian says, \u201cWe\u2019re similar ages. We\u2019ve got the same taste in music, in books\u2026 We grew up in the same era so we really understand each other. It\u2019s like talking to someone who I grew up with you know. We just get each other. \u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re into history and geography. We\u2019re not interested in that internet stuff like the young people. If I say a song from the 60\u2019s he\u2019ll now it. That\u2019s the kind of thing that keeps us connected.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The Simple Things <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Matt, a volunteer since his retirement 3 years ago, is a very modest man, and will down-play his contribution to Brian\u2019s life. When asked about the good things he does such as remembering Brian\u2019s birthday he says, it\u2019s an easy thing to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just associate that date with him now, and I\u2019ll remember to wish him a happy birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n

When you mention his birthday to Brian, there\u2019s a smile he can\u2019t hide. \u201cI always tell him there\u2019s no need to go to any fuss, but he always remembers. Always marks it with something. I really appreciate that.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Recovery <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Matt is in awe of Brian, and all he has achieved, knowing it hasn\u2019t been easy for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I met Brian first he was drinking and there\u2019s a big change now. He\u2019s come full circle. It\u2019s probably the most difficult thing someone can do and I really admire him for that. He sees the value in changing in his life.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a great man. It was down to his determination that he did that. He deserves to be proud of himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Of this period in his life, Brian is grateful for how much the Befriending Programme helped.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy greatest friend back then was alcohol. I had very few friends. But Befriending helped so much. I really needed the other members of Befriending.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Meet Ups <\/strong><\/h2>\n

The pair still look forward to their meet ups, taking in cafes around the city.<\/p>\n

Brian says, \u201cWe meet once a week and spend an hour together. It\u2019s great. We stayed in contact during Covid, either by phone, or we had socially distant meet-ups when it was safe.”<\/p>\n

“This photo here was taken during Covid I think. We go here sometimes, to the Garden of Remembrance. Only one day Matt forgot his phone so now we call it the Garden of Forgetfulness! We still have a good laugh about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\"Two<\/p>\n

Brian (left) and Matt (right) in the Garden of Remembrance\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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To support the work of Depaul, you can make a donation or consider volunteering with the Community Befriending Programme here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Donate Now<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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