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Befriender to Children and Young People

Positive Help
VO86373

Positive Help offers practical help to people affected by HIV and /or Hepatitis C in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The core services are delivered by a team of trained volunteers: Befriending for children and young people; Home Support (cleaning, decluttering, gardening and other domestic tasks); a free Transport service, which helps people to get to and from medical appointments as well as support groups or local supermarkets; Study Buddies, a homework mentoring service for children; and a supported shopping service.
We are a very small team, so volunteers really are the beating heart of Positive Help. We offer comprehensive training, volunteer support sessions and social events, reimburse any expenses and are able to provide a potential reference to future employers.
Visit our website to learn more: https://www.positivehelpedinburgh.co.uk

Experience required

As mentioned many of the children and young people we support have been affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences. Therefore as a Befriending volunteer you will need to be kind and patient and see yourself as a positive role model for children and young people affected by HIV and/or Hep C – everything besides that we will cover in the training. You do not need to have any past experience working with children. Any questions please contact us;0131 2254766 or children@positivehelpedinburgh.co.uk

Travel details

You will be meeting your Befriendee at their home and together you will visit different places and activities all around Edinburgh.

Travel expenses

After each session you will complete a feedback and expenses form. You can claim money back for the cost of any activities, food/drink and public transport/fuel. You will then be reimbursed within a week of submitting the form.

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Training details

Our training covers a range of topics including: information on HIV and Hep C; stigma and discrimination; maintaining boundaries; child protection protocols and trauma informed approaches. All volunteers are required to complete a mix of in-person and online training with other volunteers. This is usually one full day at the weekend followed by four 2 hour sessions in the evenings. We will also provide you with First Aid training. Once you are matched with a child ,you will meet with the coordinator for a one hour support meeting every 6 months, however this can be more regular if you require. We also offer ongoing training and peer support sessions to enable you to fulfil your volunteering role with confidence! We are happy to provide references for you to help you into future employment or education.