Befriending

'Every child deserves a chance in life and the thought of being a positive role model and playing a part in helping someone made me want to become a befriender,’ - Michelle Eastcroft, befriender.

Befriending is our largest and most in demand programme and is designed for children aged 4 ½ - 16 years old who are facing difficult life circumstances.

Children can be referred to our befriending programme by education, social work, health professionals or third sector partners for a number of reasons including a lack of confidence or self-esteem, social isolation, lack of a positive adult role model, substance misuse in the family home and more.

Befrienders meet with their befriendees twice a month for a couple of hours each time for a minimum of one year to take part in fun activities to help them increase their confidence and self-esteem, learn new skills, reduce their social isolation and show them more of what life has to offer.

Volunteer befrienders should be:

Reliable
Committed for one year
Non judgemental
Respectful of confidentiality
Enthusiastic and fun

Following interview Befriend a Child provide full training, PVG checks and match befrienders with a child who shares common interests, likes and dislikes.

Read about the children we've helped

Refer a child

Latest

Senior Mentoring Coordinator

We are looking for a personable, professional and caring individual to join us as a Senior Mentoring Coordinator. The role will lead our intandem mentoring project, making a positive difference to children and young people who are involved in the care system.
Apply to volunteer

We are always looking for kind, caring and reliable people to bring positivity, and new experiences to a young person’s life. All we need is a few hours of your time once a week for a minimum commitment of a year after training.
Miles for Smiles Schools Challenge

Looking to brighten up your ‘Daily Mile’ routine? Want to do something fun and raise funds to support other local children and young people? Sign up to Miles for Smiles Schools Challenge and get active in 2024.
Kiltwalk 24

Don your tartan, lace up your walking shoes and prepare to take on the Kiltwalk for Befriend a Child. With locations and distances across Scotland, this is a fantastic event for the whole family to get involved in.