Family Befriender

  • VO70011


Description

Our Family Friends bring hope and belonging to families who are isolated, enabling the families to be more connected into communities and support networks. Once approved, volunteers usually meet a family on a regular basis for a few months. They might, for example, look after a child who has been referred to us and invest time with them by taking them out to do fun activities, or meet up with parents to go to the shops, go out for a walk, or help with paperwork, but above all else take time to listen and support. If volunteers have a spare room, they may be able to become Host Families and host during the day or overnight. Host Families open their homes to look after children from a night or two up to a couple of weeks. This can give space to families dealing with challenges. We also have Resource Friends who may do some painting, joinery, gardening, or anything practical that will help a family out.

Organisation aims and objectives

At Safe Families we believe that no one should feel alone, and we exist to create relationship and connection offering hope, belonging and support to children, families, and care leavers. Facing life alone is hard and when families feel like there is no one there to help, it is a scary place to be, so we link children, young people and families with local volunteers who can offer them help and support.

Availability

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Befriending is usually for 6-9 months. Volunteers give whatever time they can, weekly or month

Restrictions

Experience required: We are looking for people who have a concern for others and are happy to invest their time with children or parents. Everyone has varying degrees of life experience and can offer something to help someone else.
Travel details: Edinburgh and across the Lothians.
Minimum age: 21

Support

Expenses details: No expenses paid.
Training details: We provide training which takes place at various venues across Edinburgh and the Lothians, and online, with lots of dates available so volunteers can choose a date that suits them to attend.