Description

Could you spare an hour or 2 every month, every fortnight, or weekly?
Would you like to help children in Falkirk and have fun?

We are looking for befrienders to befriend a child of primary school age (between 5-12 years old) for our family support service at Aberlour Children's Charity. 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 fun activities such as arts and crafts, going for a walk and a chat to get a hot chocolate, playing at the park, sports including football and lots more! As a volunteer befriedner you can introduce a child 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! You will receive training before you are asked to make a commitment to a match so that you're clear what will be expected of you and what you can expect of your volunteering experience and you will be supported throughout.

What will I be doing?
Volunteers 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?
• Have empathy and a non judgemental approach
• Have a positive and encouraging approach
• Be enthusiastic, motivated, flexible, and committed
• Friendly 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 do activities either weekly, fortnightly, or monthly with a child. As our children will be at school, outings will generally take place after school hours in the afternoon. 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 so you wont be out of pocket
• 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.

Organisation aims and objectives

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.

Availability

Restrictions

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

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: Travel expenses will be paid for traveling to and from volunteering
Training details: This role will include induction training, child protetcion training, and role specific training
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer