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Volunteer Development Scotland Ltd. (also known as Volunteer Scotland).
Charity registered in Scotland SC013740 and a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland, No. SC106743. Our registered Office is Jubilee House, Forthside Way, Stirling. FK8 1QZ

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Befriender for Young Person affected by Cystic Fibrosis

Our befriending service (sponsored by Children in Need) is a fantastic and rewarding way to make a real difference to the life of someone else. Apart from the personal satisfaction of helping someone, it is also an opportunity to enhance your own life experience and build new skills.

Befrienders MUST have held a full driving licence for at least 2 years and have the use of a smoke free car.
A minimum commitment of 1 year is needed to ensure these goals can be met.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a life limiting condition that currently affects around 1200 people in Scotland. The Butterfly Trust aspires to improving the quality of life for people affected by Cystic Fibrosis by providing support, promoting people's rights and helping them to live independently.


Our befrienders offer one to one face-to-face support to a young person aged 8 to 18, who has Cystic Fibrosis. Young people living with this condition have a demanding daily treatment regime at home and sometimes experience limitations that can affect their confidence and ability to cope with the challenges of everyday living. They may also be socially isolated because of their condition.


A befriender will meet with the young person for around 3 hours every 1 to 2 weeks, away from the home environment, to build a trusting one to one relationship. A session might simply be an opportunity to chat, eg over a snack or coffee, or may involve a specific activity such as sport or creative/arts. This will allow the young person space and a suitable environment to explore their feelings, discuss their fears, develop life skills and grow in the areas where they may be struggling.


Desirable qualities required include good listening skills, patience and an adaptable attitude.
Training and support is provided; and expenses reimbursed.


Experience required

Good listening skills, patience, reliability and an adaptable attitude. Commitment for a minimum of one year.

Travel details

Within a reasonable distance of the befriender's and client's homes.

Travel expenses

Travelling costs, mileage, postage/stationery, refreshments and cost of activities/materials when appropriate.

Support
Training details

Induction is one day covering the condition, the befriending process and procedures, interpersonal skills, Trust procedures. One team day per year for ongoing training. Support from befriending co-ordinator member of Trust’s staff.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 19
Must have held a clean driving licence for at least 2 years and have access to a smoke-free car. Insurance requires the driving licence restriction. Clients have lung disease, hence a smoke-free car.

Availability
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Frequency & commitment
Meetings are regular - either weekly or fortnightly depending on the issues etc - and typically 2 - 3 hours each time. Appointment day and times are agreed between the client and befriender.