A MENTAL health charity is looking for volunteers to join a befriending service to reduce loneliness.

Dorset Mind is looking for people in the Weymouth and Portland area to sign up and help people at risk from isolation, or who are experiencing mild to moderate mental wellbeing challenges.

According to the charity, befrienders are valued for their contribution in helping people develop positive mental health, leaving them better connected with their local community.

Dorset Mind would like to hear from people who can commit to two hours per fortnight, plus nine hours of training and three-monthly reviews.

Your support could help reduce stigma and increase people's confidence and self-esteem by helping them learn new ways of coping.

For those who sign up as a volunteer, it is an opportunity to develop your skills and experience whilst supporting people experiencing mental or emotional wellbeing challenges.

Befriending can be hugely rewarding as it provides the opportunity to ‘give back’. It can also be a stepping-stone to employment and or professional training.

For more information about the service, or to download an application form visit dorsetmind.uk/help-and-support/befriending