What do Befrienders do?

• They provide opportunities to share enjoyable activities e.g. swimming, football, cinema, coffee and a chat, walking, crafts etc.
• Befrienders make a commitment to meet a young person once a week/fortnight.
• They offer a couple of hours regularly in which to establish a beneficial relationship to a young person.

What do Befrienders Get in Return?

• The challenge of getting to know the young person.
• The reward of developing a relationship with them.
• The opportunity to meet and share experiences with other volunteers.
• All travel and out-of-pocket expenses.

One of our befrienders sums up the befriending experience wonderfully – “

As someone who has completed a few hours a week for a few years I can tell you volunteering will also make a real difference to your life.

Being a Befriender has enriched my world and certainly given me hours and hours of pleasant experiences; enabling me to interact with young people in a positive way for them and myself.

You also have fun. A win-win situation.”

How to Become a Befriender

To become a befriender you must be:

• Able to attend a structured group training programme (6 sessions x 2 hours).
• Available for a minimum of six months once the match has been set up.
• Willing to spare a few hours per week/fortnight.
• Able to supply two references.
• Willing to give permission for a PVG check.
• Able to attend basic first aid training.