Description
Volunteers can become one-to-one befrienders for 2 hour sessions on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
Befrienders support children and young people; engaging with them in activities such as baking, swimming, arts and crafts, games or walks along the beach, depending on the interests of the child. Befriending generally takes place between 3.30 and 6 pm on weekdays, after school.
Those wishing to volunteer must undergo Families First training which includes child protection training and are subject to PVG enhanced disclosure checks.
Our befriending service places value on the individual child and gives them the opportunity to form positive relationships and build up self-esteem. Parents have witnessed the benefits to their children. One parent commented that - 'this service is second to none. It has opened up so many opportunities for my son and has made a huge difference to him'.
Organisation aims and objectives
Families First is a very small independent charity working with children and their families aged 5 – 16 years who face significant challenges in life living in North East Fife. These challenges include Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD), various learning disabilities, social and emotional problems, mental health issues, caring responsibilities, being looked after away from their family, low self-esteem, medical problems and poverty. Isolation can be a significant challenge to the children we work with due to their personal circumstances and rural location. By supporting these children and their families we aim to: • Reduce isolation • Develop self-esteem • Improve social skills • Improve relationships All of the people we work with are referred to us by external statutory and voluntary agencies. We offer 3 core services - Family Support (adults), One-to-One Befriending (children) and Children's Group Work. Our overall objectives are to strengthen the social and emotional development of children, young people and their parents and carers; so they can become effective contributors to their communities. We do this in a number of ways, by providing opportunities for our service users to explore the challenges they face and gain new experiences in a safe environment with supportive staff and volunteers. In addition to one-to-one support and group work activities, we provide access to events throughout the year through our Family Support Service. These events give families a chance to spend time and have fun together, thus creating lasting memories with each other.
Availability
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6 month min commitment 2 hrs once a fortnightWeekdays
Frequency and commitment details
6 month min commitment 2 hrs once a fortnightWeekdays
Restrictions
Experience required: Volunteers need to have very good listening skills and be able to follow a childs lead.
Travel details: Befriending services operates out of Families First premises, Rose Lane, 132 South Street, St Andrews. Children are transported to and from the Centre. Befrienders make their own way to the Centre.
Minimum age: 18
Support
Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: If you take public transport to go to their centre to undertake your volunteering role, fares are reimbursed.
Training details: All volunteers undergo child protection training and befriending training. Staff are available during befriending sessions to lend support. All volunteers undergo PVG enhanced disclosure checks.
Support:
Named Contact For Volunteer