Module 2: Good endings

Endings are a real and tangible boundary. They are important to manage well. From the beginning, we will make clear the timeframe over which you will meet each other. Clarity from the start helps to manage expectations and smooths the way for a good ending.

However, ending any relationship can be hard, and different people need different types of approaches when finishing a relationship. As you get to know the person you are matched with you will begin to get an idea of which approach might suit them. Towards the end of the relationship you, the person you are matched with, and the SCP coordinator will talk about a ‘Good Ending’ plan specific to them.

At the beginning: Re-confirming timeframes at beginning of your befriending relationship at the introduction meeting and in your first meet-ups help make it real for the both of you and avoids any elephant in the room’ scenario

When things have changed: We hope that a positive and meaningful befriending relationship blossoms and that everyone enjoys connecting in this way. But sometimes encounters can peter out, or what a person needs has changed. Often there can be no specific reason as to why it feels right to move on. Sometimes, you may have an early ending to your relationship because of changes like these. It’s important to try not to take this personally or see it as a failure. Do tell your SCP coordinator at the earliest opportunity if you know or you’re sensing that this is what is happening.

Towards the end of the time you agreed: You should remind each other that the end is coming up with at least a couple of weeks to go before the end of your agreed timeframe.

Think about your journey together: Reflect on the activities you have done together and conversations you have had. Tell them what it has meant to you and tell them what you have noticed about them. For example, are there goals or activities they wanted to achieve or do and did.