The North Lanarkshire Befriending Project help support vulnerable and isolated young people aged 8-18 in the local area. With social isolation, inequality and child poverty on the rise, the need for befrienders to support young people to increase their confidence, achieve personal goals and make links in their local community, is more important than ever. If you are passionate about the wellbeing of children and young people and could spend time with a young person sharing a hobby or activity on a fortnightly basis, then become a befriender in North Lanarkshire today!
Once trained and matched to a young person with similar interests, the befriender and young person meet every fortnight to take part in an activity. For example, you could meet for a hot chocolate, nature walks, a gym class, bowling or the cinema. There may be particular activities that the young person would like to take part in but we also encourage volunteer befrienders to introduce ideas for new activities when appropriate.
Befrienders will give a young person a positive role model in their life by passing on their skills and experience, enabling them to try new experiences and simply providing them with a few hours of fun. By committing to just a couple of hours every fortnight, you could make a real difference where it is needed the most.
Volunteer requirements
• Must commit to contact with young person at least once every 2 weeks for 12
months
• Attend training, delivered in 3 x 3 hour blocks
• Must apply to the PVG scheme (handled and paid for by the project)
• Interest and enthusiasm in working with young people
• Must be at least 18 years of age
As a volunteer, you would have the satisfaction of helping a young person in need, increasing your own confidence, enhancing your skills and experience and having fun!
For further information or to apply for this role, please email mandy.burrell@volunteeringmatters.org.uk or call 07746938237.