Befriender/Mentor-Children, Young People and Adults

• Barnardo's

• VO99526

Volunteers to provide quality 1:1 time on a regular basis to help children and young people to access leisure and recreational opportunities in the local community and to help improve wellbeing. Activities can include going for a walk or going to a local park, doing some arts and crafts, local museums and going for a chat. This quality time would allow a space for children and young people to talk about how they are feeling as well as a time for them to have time in their local community. Some of the befriender roles offered can also be on a 2:1 basis alongside another volunteer or worker which is a great opportunity for volunteers to build up confidence before lone working. Some befriender roles may take place in a school setting depending on the need of the child and may take place during school hours.

We also have roles available to help support a parent or to help support a family. The role could be going for a chat and a coffee and be a listening ear to a parent/carer. The family role could be helping to build up the confidence of the parent with the child/children in the home/local community.

Our two services that look to support children, young people and parents include the Dundee Child and Family Support Service that supports children and young people with additional support needs and our Families Linked In Project that supports children, young people and parents who have been impacted by substance use in the family setting.

Experience required

Volunteers do not need to have previous experience supporting children and young people with additional support needs or impacted by substance use but if a volunteer does have previous experience it would be welcomed. We are looking for volunteers who are motivated, reliable and want to make a difference to children, young people and families lives.

Travel expenses

Mileage within Dundee Boundaries and Bus Travel within Dundee Boundaries. Receipts need to be provided when claiming.

• About
• Notes

Support

Training details

Provided with an induction process that covers: child protection, confidentiality, and professional boundaries (to name some). There are various training opportunities outside the induction including and volunteers are also supported by the volunteer coordinator with regular supervision provided.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18
A minimum age of 18 for volunteers due to the responsibility involved with lone working.

Availability

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Frequency & commitment

The hours each week can vary but usually a commitment of 2 hours per session and usually weekly or fortnightly. The role, depending on the age of the child/young person can take place during the day, after school, early evening and weekends. If the role is supporting a parent/family this might take place during the day, after school, or at weekends We look for a volunteer to commit to a minimum of 6 months.

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 Dundee.

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