"Befriending" is when one ordinary human being offers compassion to another at a time of crisis or loneliness. It is both more and less than ordinary friendship. It is more because it guarantees absolute confidentiality. It is less because it is not mutual: the volunteer does not speak about him/herself.
The crisis hotlines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to anyone who is feeling lonely, depressed or suicidal.










