‘It has given me a huge increase in confidence and built skills around dealing with young people’
Barnardo’s Scotland is on the lookout for volunteer befrienders to help support and make a difference to children, young people, parents and carers throughout Dundee and Perth & Kinross.
Services run by the leading children’s charity support children and young people and their families who have a range of needs which may include disability/additional support needs, have been impacted by substance use, domestic abuse, mental health, trauma and poverty within the family. This role, open to those aged 18 and above, would be to support an individual out and about in the local community.
Louise Rawe, Volunteer Coordinator at Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “We look for volunteers who are motivated and passionate to help others and have two hours a week or fortnight free to commit to providing this support for a six-month period. Volunteers support the individual in the community to engage with activities, helping to build up confidence being a listening ear and importantly have fun.
“Volunteering not only makes a huge difference to children, young people and parents, but it’s a gratifying experience and provides the opportunity for people to build up experience to help with personal goals and learn new skills.
“Volunteering with Barnardo’s as a befriender is most rewarding and the role helps contribute to the community and can support people as they build up new skills and experience. Our befrienders undertake fun events such as going to the local park, the cinema, ice skating and indoor activities including soft play. And sometimes, it can just be a nice chat over lunch.”
Former Barnardo’s befriender Matthew Thomson, from Dundee, really enjoyed the experience of volunteering. The Architectural Assistant, 28, said: “During the pandemic I was keen to gain new experiences and build confidence through helping young people in my local community. Befriending is a great opportunity to get to know young people really well and feel like you are making a tangible impact on their lives.
“It has given me a huge increase in confidence and built skills around dealing with young people. The service can provide some space for parents and carers, but, more importantly, it gives the young person an opportunity with a befriender to undertake hobbies and gain new experiences with.”
All volunteers will be provided with a full induction – including completing PVG Disclosure check and training – and will be provided with ongoing support and supervision. For more information or to begin the journey of becoming a Volunteer Befriender, please contact Louise Rawe, Volunteer Coordinator at Barnardo’s Scotland, at [email protected], or telephone at 07597 392 359.
At Barnardo’s, our purpose is clear: Changing childhoods and changing lives, so that children, young people, and families are safe, happy, healthy, and hopeful. Last year, we worked with thousands of children across Scotland through more than 150 services and partnerships.
Across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we provided essential support to 373,200 children, young people, parents and carers through more than 800 services and partnerships across the UK. This included more than 150 services in Scotland.
For more than 150 years, we’ve been here for the children and young people who need us most – bringing love, care and hope into their lives and giving them a place where they feel they belong.
Over the course of the financial year 2023-24, more than 16,000 people volunteered for Barnardo’s across the UK – a total of 1.7 million hours of their time. To donate, volunteer or fundraise, please visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money.