Befriend a Child, a leading children’s charity in the North-East, is urgently appealing for new volunteer mentors as the number of young people waiting for support continues to rise.
Befriend a Child currently has a growing mentoring waiting list, with at least 15 children and young people across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire in need of a consistent, positive adult role model. These young people are involved in the care system specifically living at home supported by social work or living with extended family in kinship care, and are facing difficult life situations, including social isolation, low self-esteem and a lack of trusted support.
The charity’s mentoring programme intandem, delivered as part of Scotland’s national mentoring programme, offers children the chance to build a meaningful 1:1 relationship with a trained volunteer mentor. Intandem is a Scotland-wide programme designed to provide long-term mentoring relationships for care-experienced young people, helping them develop confidence, stability and a sense of belonging.
By committing just 2–3 hours twice a month, mentors provide guidance, encouragement and consistency, helping young people build self-esteem, resilience and brighter futures.
Olivia, Senior Intandem Coordinator at Befriend a Child, shares the reality of increased referrals:
“We are seeing more and more young people being referred to our mentoring programme, and unfortunately that means our waiting list continues to grow. Each child on that list is hoping for someone who can spend time with them, listen to them and simply be there.”
Volunteer mentors meet their young person twice a month, building a supportive relationship through simple activities like going for a walk, trying new hobbies or just having a chat. Over time, this regular connection helps reduce isolation and gives young people the confidence to navigate challenges in their lives.
Olivia continued: “Some of our young people have already been waiting too long. Ben, for example, has been on our waiting list for five months. He would really benefit from having someone to spend time with, build trust and try new activities with. Abby has been waiting over six months for a mentor who can help boost her confidence and give her something positive to look forward to each month.”
Befriend a Child is encouraging anyone based in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire who is caring, patient and wants to make a positive difference to consider becoming a mentor. No prior experience is required, just the ability to commit time, build a trusting relationship and be a consistent, positive presence in a young person’s life.
With demand for the service continuing to grow, the charity hopes more people will step forward to ensure no child is left waiting.
To find out more about the mentoring programme and how to get involved, visit the link below or reach out to Olivia at o.polak@befriendachild.org.uk – https://www.befriendachild.org.uk/how-we-help/intandem-mentoring/