Purpose and Aims of the role:
We are looking for befrienders to befriend a child of primary school age 5-12 for our new primary years outreach service. As a volunteer befriender you would be matched with a child, who you would spend regular time with on a 1:1 basis, building a trusting relationship and having fun. You would take part in activities that a child enjoys such as playing football/going to the park or to introduce them to new activities or hobbies that they may not have the opportunity to take part in normally. Befriender’s can be male or female, from various backgrounds and anyone aged 18 and over – there is no upper age limit to become a befriender!
what will I be doing?
Volunteers will be able to make a difference to a child’s life by:
•Spending regular time 1:1 to build a trusted relationship
•Sharing in an activity or hobby to develop interests and have fun
•Encouraging child to take part in group activities to build confidence
•Giving child someone to talk to develop communication skills
•Being a consistent figure in the child’s life to support with life transitions
What qualities do I need?
•Ability to encourage and motivate others to participate in activities
•To have a positive and encouraging approach to children and young people.
•To have a non-judgmental approach to people, have empathy
•Be enthusiastic, motivated, flexible, and committed
•Reliable and approachable
•Patience and understanding
•Commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner
•To have a good value base, be open minded and level headed
When will I be needed?
Befrienders will spend 2-4 hours either weekly or fortnightly with a child. As our children will be at school, outings will generally take place after school hours or weekends. A minimum of 6 months commitment is required for this role.
What will I gain from the role?
By volunteering with Aberlour, you can gain:
•Excellent training
•Make new friends and meet new people
•Get out and about
•Have FUN!
•Attend social events.
•A sense of satisfaction in helping children, young people and families build their confidence and self-esteem to achieve their full potential
•Experience of supporting young people to flourish.
•Practical experience of working with children, young people, and families
What support will I be given?
Aberlour aims to ensure volunteering is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Volunteers will receive:
•Induction and child protection training
•Specific befriending training relevant to the role
•Ongoing support and supervision
•Travel expenses and activity expenses
•Named contact support
Additional Information
Due to Health and Safety requirements, you must be at least 18 years of age to undertake this volunteering role.
For all roles involving regulated work with children and/or protected adults, Aberlour will require the applicant to submit a PVG Scheme Record or a PVG Scheme Record Update application. This opportunity is subject to the completion of satisfactory references and successful registration on the PVG Scheme.
Aberlour is the largest, solely Scottish, children’s charity and we provide help to over 6000 of Scotland’s most vulnerable children, young people and their families each year. Our aim is to help those children most in need, working with as many children and families as our resources allow in the areas of: • Children and families affected by disability • Children and families affected by drugs and alcohol • Young People at Risk • Parent and Child Development Our mission is to improve the lives of Scotland's children and young people. The Trust shall have the following Charitable Purposes (the Charitable Purposes): (a) to provide, maintain and promote care, accommodation, support, training and/or services for: (i) children and young persons who are in need of care, protection, assistance and/ or training; (ii) in exceptional circumstances, those who were previously children or young persons assisted by the Trust who remain vulnerable and/or disadvantaged and therefore remain in need of care, protection, assistance and/ or training; and (iii) vulnerable and/or disadvantaged adults whose assistance by the Trust will provide care, protection and/or assistance to children and young persons; and (b) to provide, maintain and promote education, training, consultancy, research and information: (i) for the beneficiaries listed in (a), as may be required to meet their specific educational and physical needs; (ii) for current and prospective individuals and agencies involved, whether through the Trust or otherwise, with issues relating principally to the types of beneficiaries listed in (a); and (iii) for members of the public generally and decision-makers about the activities of the Trust and issues arising therefrom.
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Experience required: Volunteers would benefit from having:
• A genuine interest in the well-being of children and families
• Experience working with children and families
• Knowledge and understanding of issues affecting children, young people and families
• A non-judgmental, empathetic attitude
• Good communication and listening skills
• Respect for confidentiality and boundaries
Minimum age: 18
Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Travel expenses will be paid for traveling to and from volunteering
Support:
Named Contact For Volunteer