Perinatal Befriender

• Aberlour - Falkirk

• VO93512

Around 1:3 Mums/Mums to be and 1:10 Dads/Dads to be are affected by mental health issues in the Perinatal period – during pregnancy and up until their baby’s first birthday. As a volunteer Perinatal befriender you would be matched with a Mum/Mum to be, who you will help by spending regular time together on a 1:1 basis, building a trusting relationship and reducing social isolation. Befriender’s come from a range of backgrounds and anyone aged 18 and over – there is no upper age limit to become a befriender!

Feedback from families who have had befriending support tells us a Befriender can be life changing. A befriender can provide emotional support to help build positive relationships between parents and their baby and improve parents’ mental health. Accessing activities in the community, going for a walk, or talking over a cuppa are some of the ways in which a Befriender can make a real difference for parents and their babies. A Mum who used our service recently said “My befriender is like a wee rainbow coming in to make everything better”

As a volunteer you will receive high quality training including Perinatal Mental Health and Child Protection. You will also gain practical experience of helping families affected by Perinatal Mental Health issues with ongoing support from our staff team throughout your befriending journey. You will meet a range of new people and be filled with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that you have helped make an unforgettable, positive difference to parents, babies and families.

Experience required

A genuine interest in the well-being of children and families.
Someone who has an understanding of perinatal mental illness, and is able to empathise with the needs of families during the perinatal period.
Or someone who has an understanding of mental distress, the emotional effects of pregnancy and birth and the demands of parenthood, and who is able to empathise with the needs of families during the perinatal period.

Travel details

Locally across Falkirk - in the supported person’s home, or out in the community in places such as café’s or a library.

Travel expenses

Expenses reimbursed.

• About
• Location
• Notes

Support

Training details

Full training provided, including attachment and resilience, lone working, and child protection.
Perinatal Mental Health and Child Protection.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18
Volunteers will require a PVG Scheme Record or a PVG Scheme Record Update for this role.

Availability

Mon

Tue

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Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Frequency & commitment

Flexible - to be discussed. Meet with their befriendee once a week/3hours. 1 year commitment. 1 hour every 6/8 weeks for support and supervision.

Volunteers (aged 18-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Find out more

This volunteering opportunity is also advertised across Falkirk.

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