Befriend A Child recruits caring adults to befriend and support individual children on a 1:1 basis. In doing so these volunteers help to promote the children’s welfare and advance their education. The children range in age between 5 – 12 at the time of their referral and live in Aberdeen City & Shire. Many of the children referred to the Organisation are amongst the most vulnerable, deprived and needy within our community. Referrals are accepted (with the child and parents’ permission) from statutory agencies e.g. the Social Work Dept, Educational Psychologists and Health Visitors.
How Do The Children Benefit?
Befrienders can introduce the children to new activities and interests which might not otherwise be available to them. Experience shows that children can gain confidence and self-esteem by enjoying a trusting relationship with a caring adult. This relationship is a valuable aid to the children's social, emotional and educational development which in turn helps them mature into responsible adults.
Why are Befrienders Needed?
The children we help are referred from a variety of reasons ranging from parental subgstance misuse to inconsisten parenting. But they all have one thing in common - the need for a positive adult role model. |
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Ideal Befriender
There is no ideal befriender, anyone who is active, aged 19+ and has a couple of hours a fortnight to spare can help turn a frown upside down. Befrienders are drawn from all walks of life; from students & professionals through to retired couples, everyone has life experiences which can benefit a young child.
We do however ask for a minimum of a year’s commitment, though in practice friendships can extend well beyond this period. This commitment is required in order to create stability in what is often a chaotic child’s life.
Getting Started
We invited all prospective volunteers in for an informal chat with one of the Co-ordinators. That way we can answer any questions you may have. At this stage you will be given an application to complete. We ask for 2 personal references from friends who have known you for 3 years and will arrange an interview for you. If you are accepted into the Organisation we will ask you to complete a PVG application.
Training
While you are waiting for the PVG to be returned from Disclosure Scotland we will give you some training. This includes Induction which is the Guidelines and Boundaries of the Organisation. Drugs and Alcohol and the impact they can have on children and finally Child Protection based on the guidelines of the NESCPC.
Support
Once you have completed your training and your PVG has been returned you will then be matched with a child. The Co-ordinators are there to support you all through your befriending relationship. They will contact you by telephone or e mail once a month and if you befriend out-with office hours and have a problem you can contact all the co-ordinators on their home number or mobile numbers.
Support to the volunteers is essential as they give up their spare time to befriend and without the volunteers the children wouldn’t have their special friend’s to take them out twice a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a student and go home during holiday periods, can I still befriend?
Yes of course you can, we have a number of student volunteers and procedures in place to deal with holiday periods.
Can I befriend if I don’t drive?
Yes of course you can, we have a number of volunteers who don’t drive and take this into account when matching you with a child, to minimise travel.
When does the befriending take place?
This is up to you, we recommend a couple of hours once a fortnight and you can schedule these to fit your own diary.
Are the parents happy that the child is being befriended?
Before we accept a referral for a child, the parents must be informed by the referral agent, of who we are and what we do and must sign a consent form stating this has been done. At the initial match meeting the parents are present to ask any questions they may have. As part of our monitoring and evaluation process we contact parents and always receive complementary feedback about the volunteers and the service.
Can couples Befriend?
Yes we have a number of couples that befriend together, but please note that both people are required to attend the interview and complete the disclosure checks.
Am I too old to befriend?
No you are never to old and we have a number of befrienders in their 70's.
Do I need experience with childcare to be a befriender?
No experience is required, as full training is provided.
