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Perinatal Befriender - Forth Valley

  • VO77732

Description

As a volunteer befriender with our perinatal support project you will provide listening and emotional support to parents who are suffering with low to moderate mental health issues or are identified as vulnerable to developing mental health issues in the perinatal period. This support may be through telephone calls, home visits, group work or support to access other local services

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

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Frequency and commitment details

Befrienders will spend a few hours each week with mum/family, for at least 1 year. This role is flexible and is available across daytime, evenings and weekends.

Restrictions

Due to Health and Safety requirements you must be at least 18 years of age to undertake this volunteering role. This opportunity is subject to the completion of satisfactory references and successful registration on the PVG Scheme.
Experience required: Someone who has an understanding of perinatal mental illness, and is able to empathise with the needs of families during the perinatal period Or; Someone who has understanding of mental distress, the emotional effects of pregnancy and birth and the demands of parenthood, and who is able to empathise with the needs of families during the perinatal period A genuine interest in the well-being of children and families A few hours to spare each week Reliability and discretion Friendly
Travel details: Travel within Forth Valley
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: expenses will be reimbursed.
Training details: Induction and child protection training Befriending training Specific perinatal support training Matching support

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