Befriend a Child proudly announces Dales Marine Services as Sponsor of the 2025 Giving Tree Appeal

This year, thanks to the sponsorship of Dales Marine Services, Befriend a Child will be able to reach even more children and their families, spreading the joy of Christmas further than ever before. Founded in Aberdeen, Dales Marine Services is a leading UK marine engineering and ship repair company, renowned for its expertise and commitment to supporting local communities. Their sponsorship reflects the company’s dedication to giving back and making a difference to families across the region.

Befriend a Child issues urgent call for new volunteer mentors as waiting list grows across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

As part of its intandem mentoring programme, Befriend a Child matches young people aged 7–15, who are supported by social work or living in kinship care, with volunteer mentors. The mentoring relationship is built around just 2–3 hours twice a month, during which the mentor and child spend time having fun together, setting goals, sharing interests and creating positive memories. Mentors are asked to commit for a minimum of 12 months, but no prior experience is required as full training and support is provided by the team at Befriend a Child.

Paul and Jack’s Mentoring Journey

Paul first discovered the idea of becoming a mentor when he came across a Facebook post looking for male volunteers. Having already worked with children in a variety of settings, the post immediately resonated with him, as growing up in a loving and supportive family, he recognised how fortunate he was to have had that […]

Sarah and Lola’s Mentoring Journey

After seeing a post on Facebook from Befriend a Child about recruiting mentors, Sarah knew she wanted to volunteer because she was passionate about helping a local child develop skills and reach their goals. Sarah also felt a programme like mentoring was something she and other children could have benefitted from when she was younger. […]

Alex and Jason’s Mentoring Journey

Alex signed up to be a volunteer mentor after he came across a Befriend a Child social media post searching for male volunteers. We matched Alex with a 15-year-old boy called Jason and they have been together for 9 months. Jason was referred to our mentoring programme due to low self-esteem and social isolation, having […]

50 Years of Befriend a Child – Sophia and Izzy’s Story

50 Years of Befriend a Child – Sophia and Izzy’s Story Sophia’s journey as a volunteer with Befriend a Child began in 2017 when she was seeking a way to contribute to her community outside of work. Without children of her own, Sophia was drawn to the charity’s mission. After the training process, she was […]

Befriend a Child Hosts First-Ever Ladies’ Charity Golf Day, Raising £1,765

Befriend a Child is delighted to announce the resounding success of its inaugural Ladies’ Charity Golf Day, which took place in the sunshine at Kippie Lodge on Friday 5th September 2025. The event brought together an enthusiastic group of women for a day of sport, collaboration and fundraising, raising an impressive £1,765 to support the charity’s vital work in transforming the lives of children and young people across the region.

Befriend a Child announces the launch of its Boogie Boozy Brunch

Befriend a Child is thrilled to unveil the return of one of its flagship events, Boozy Brunch which is set to take place on Saturday 21 March 2026 at The Marcliffe from 10:30am to 4pm. Next year’s ‘Boogie Boozy Brunch’ brings together disco beats, delicious brunch, dazzling décor and funky vibes, all to raise vital funds for children and young people across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire facing challenging circumstances.

50 Years of Befriend a Child – Jess, Stephen and Mark’s Befriending Journey

Volunteers Jess and Stephen first began their journey eleven years ago after they attended a Befriend a Child dinner. Hearing first-hand about Befriend a Child and its mission to support local children living in difficult life situations, Jess and Stephen found themselves talking about what they had learned and felt inspired to get involved. When […]