Young Person’s Befriender/Activity Buddy

• Aberlour Scotland's Children's Charity

• VO102495

Purpose and Aims of the role

Could you make a difference to a child's life?

Aberlour’s Family Advice and Community Connections Service (FACCS) offers early support and guidance to families in Perth & Kinross.

We are looking for befrienders to befriend a child or young person. As a volunteer befriender you would be matched with a child, who you would spend regular time with on a 1:1 basis, building a trusting relationship and having fun. You would take part in activities that a child enjoys such as playing football/going to the park or to introduce them to new activities or hobbies that they may not have the opportunity to take part in normally. Befriender’s can be from various backgrounds and anyone aged 18 and over – there is no upper age limit to become a befriender!

Volunteers are a very important in helping to support children and young people deal with issues such as social isolation, confidence building and in promoting positive social development.

What will I be doing?

• Making a difference in a child or young person’s life
• Spending regular time with a child or young person
• Supporting them when difficulties arise
• Sharing an activity/hobby
• Attending activities
• Completing a diary after each visit
• Attending regular support sessions
What skills can I bring to this role?

• A genuine interest in the well-being of children and young people
• A few hours to spare each week
• Reliability and discretion
• Friendly and approachable
• Non-judgemental attitude
• Good communication and listening skills
• Responsible and dependable

What qualities do I need?

• To have a non-judgemental attitude and approach to working with children and young people
• To be empathetic
• To be able to treat all information in a confidential manner
• Be friendly, helpful and understanding
• Be enthusiastic, flexible, committed and patient.

When will I be needed?

• Befrienders will spend a few hours each week/fortnight with a child or young person and also attend supervision (every 8-10 weeks) and attend all Aberlour training
• As our children / young people will be at school, outings will generally take place after school, evenings or weekends
• A minimum of 6 months commitment is required for this role.
Location

Perth & Kinross

What will I gain from the role?

• Befriending training
• Make new friends and meet new people
• Get out and about
• Be young again
• Have FUN!
• Attend social events.
What support will I be given?

• Induction and child protection training
• Befriending training
• Matching support
• Ongoing support and supervision

Additional Information

For all roles involving regulated work with children and/or protected adults, Aberlour will require the applicant to submit a PVG Scheme Record or a PVG Scheme Record Update application. This opportunity is subject to the completion of satisfactory references and successful registration on the PVG Scheme.

Contact details: Email address: volunteering@aberlour.org.uk

Travel expenses

Travel expenses paid
Budget for activities

• About
• Notes

Support

Training details

Full training given, face to face or Online via Teams/Zoom

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18

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 Perth & Kinross.

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