It’s helped me to understand that other people have problems too – not just me. It’s someone to talk to, to listen to your problems – to give advice or time out to discuss it.
- Young Person
It’s been really good for my confidence. It was helpful to speak to my Befriender about things that worried me.
- Young Person
Being able to talk to someone has been very helpful and I have enjoyed my experience. I got to go out and do fun activities, forgetting about stuff happening in life.
- Young Person
It’s been fun – it’s something that I’ll never forget!
- Young Person
Befriending is a chance to speak to someone and go places that you may not have the confidence or opportunity to go to. It has helped me with my confidence and social skills along with helping me be active and getting out of the house. I can start conversations better with people I don’t know that well and be more confident in day to day things.
- Young Person
Now that befriending has come to an end, has befriending helped you?
Yes, made me more comfortable talking to adults and gave me confidence to try and go to youth clubs. I enjoyed going places, doing sporty stuff, going to costa and having talks. My Befriender talked to me, gave me advise, was friendly and listened to my problems.
- Young Person
What some young people think about our project:
- “You are getting a person to speak to, help you, advise you not to retaliate, do fun stuff with and take you out places.”
- “I would advise someone else to take up the offer, of a Befriender.”
- “I’ve really enjoyed myself. I’m happy that S was my Befriender because she was the one I would want to talk to if I was in a bad mood.”
- Young Person
Now that your befriending match has come to an end, how has befriending helped you?
I feel more confident around people and I find it easier to talk now. I’ve found it easier to make new friends. A Befriender is someone to talk to, you can have a nice chat and they listen to you, while taking you places. I liked having a befriender, but don’t think I need a befriender anymore (I have seven friends now).
- Young Person
It is someone to talk to about worries. I still feel a bit anxious about being outside, but my befriender has helped give me some confidence. We have fun together.
- Young Person
I loved having a befriender a lot, she helped me to do things I didn’t think I could. It has helped me build up my confidence, to go outside more and go to school.
- Young Person
I feel I have grown in confidence. My befriender is very caring and helpful. I can now explore different places and really enjoy getting out and talking to people.
- Young Person
How has befriending helped you?
Just going out and having someone with me has helped me feel less alone, and it got me out of the house. It has helped me with social situations.