Friendships

On this page we look at

1. The ups and downs of friendships
2. Helping a friend
3. The Befriending scheme
4. Staying safe – personal safety, relationships, bullying, online

The ups and downs of friendships

Friends are as big a part of our lives as our family.

Friendships can also be difficult, one minute life is great – the next you’ve had a serious falling out!

Good friends/mates are those that:

• Are supportive when your going through a bad time
• Listen to you
• Someone you can trust
• They boost your confidence
• Make you laugh

Problems with friends? It can be really difficult - maybe you have had a fall out, someone is being nasty or someone needs help with their emotional wellbeing. 

Don't deal with it on your own - make sure you speak to someone and don't keep it bottled up.

“My friend needs my help”

It’s nice to be able to help your friends when they need it. But you don’t have to do it on your own.

Here are a some websites with good advice about issues that you may be having with your friends, and making new friends.

• Talk With A Friend About Mental Health
• Helping a friend in a crisis
• Feeling pressured by your mates – why it’s okay to say no!
• Making new friends
• I think that my friend is being forced to marry

“I’d like some help making new friends” – The Befriending Scheme

The Befriending Scheme provides support, friendship and learning opportunities for people aged 16+ in Suffolk. 

The scheme is great for young people who have additional needs or mental health issues, who want to meet new people.

“The people at the groups are friendly and there’s a really nice atmosphere. If you have any problems, there is always someone to talk things through with.”

Lesley, Hub member

Whether at school, college, at home, online or out and about, it’s sensible to know how to protect yourself from possible risks or dangers.

You might be interested in the following topics:

• Keeping safe online
• Relationships
• Bullying and Cyberbullying

Personal safety:

Personal safety is straight forward. It doesn't matter where you live or what you're doing, there are simple steps that you can take to keep yourself, and your mates safe from harm.

- Avoid walking home alone especially at night; avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, car parks or alleys - any where unlit.

- Call or text people to let them know where you are going and when you will return.

- Keep your possessions like money and your phone out of sight.

Although women may feel more vulnerable when they’re out, it’s actually young men who are at a higher risk of violence.

Check out these articles on The Mix for some great tips on keeping safe when you’re out and about:

• Safety for men – how to avoid getting into a fight
• Safety tips for women