Befriend a Child is urgently appealing for more volunteer befrienders and mentors across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire as it looks to support a rising number of children and young people.
Established in Aberdeen in 1975, Befriend a Child supports children and young people growing up in difficult life circumstances across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Through its befriending, mentoring, youth clubs and family support programmes, the charity works to help young people achieve their full potential and develop into confident and resilient young adults.
The charity currently has 76 children and young people on its waiting list, the highest it has been in five years, with many still waiting to be matched with a positive adult role model and some children who have been waiting for several months.
Demand is being felt across the region, including in communities such as Portlethen, Banchory, Kemnay, Inverurie, Ellon and Aberdeen city. Befriend a Child is urging anyone near or within these areas who can spare a couple of hours twice a month, to consider volunteering now, with a particular focus on recruiting volunteers throughout the summer months.
A volunteer provides friendship, encouragement and positive experiences to a child or young person growing up in difficult life circumstances. Through simple activities such as going for a walk, visiting a local park, playing sports, baking, or exploring new places, volunteer befrienders and mentors help build confidence, self-esteem and create lasting memories.
The charity is highlighting that the summer months can be one of the most challenging times of year for the children and young people it supports. Without the structure of school, many lose daily routine, regular social contact, and access to the kind of enriching activities that help build confidence and wellbeing. For children already experiencing isolation or difficult home circumstances, the summer can feel especially long and unsupported.
With 76 children currently waiting, Befriend a Child is stressing the urgent need to recruit volunteers now so that more children can be matched sooner, to benefit from positive experiences, new opportunities and consistent adult support.
Many of the children supported face challenges such as social isolation, low self-confidence, and poor mental wellbeing. A trusted role model can make a life-changing difference by simply spending regular time together and helping a child feel heard, valued and included.
No qualifications or previous experience is required to become a volunteer befriender or mentor. The charity is looking for people from all walks of life who have a genuine willingness to support a child or young person for a minimum of 12 months. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and ongoing support from Befriend a Childâs experienced staff team.
Susanne McMenemy, Head of Operations at Befriend a Child, said:
“Right now, too many local children and young people are waiting for the support of a volunteer, with some having already waited months for the chance to be matched. Every new volunteer befriender or mentor who joins us this summer brings us one step closer to reducing that waiting list and ensuring more children don’t have to wait any longer for the support they deserve. A trusted volunteer can provide stability, friendship, fun and something to look forward to, helping a young person build confidence, create happy memories and know that someone is there just for them.â
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer befriender or mentor is encouraged to get in touch today to find out more about the difference they could make to a local childâs life. Reach out to volunteer@befriendachild.org.uk to get started or head here to make an enquiry – https://www.befriendachild.org.uk/volunteering/volunteer-with-us/