The main aim of befriending is to reduce the social isolation of the young people we support, increase their confidence and self-esteem and ensure they are included and feel valued. Befrienders meet with the young person once a fortnight to support and encourage them to take part in activities in the community. In addition to one to one activities the Project offers regular group activities for young people and a youth group which is run with the help of the young people themselves. Group outings vary in nature, anything from a day out to the Farm park, to a beach clean to arts and crafts at the office – all are great fun and ensure the young people can meet with their peers in a safe and supportive environment. The Group Outing Assistant will: • Support staff with the smooth delivery of group activities. • Maintain a register of attendees during activities and oversee additional administrative tasks as and when required. • Organise and oversee resources and materials for the activity. • Set up and tidy up for the activity. • Assist with transport of young people and/or volunteers to and from the activity.

We're looking for an adult volunteer who will provide a supportive friendship for a socially isolated young person aged between 8 and 18 who lives in South Ayrshire. Ideally this will involve meeting with their young person every couple of weeks for a few hours, spending time together accessing local activities. This includes: • Be matched on a 1:1 basis with a young person. • Go on regular outings and activities with the young person. • Have the opportunity to participate in group outings/activities and also volunteer support sessions. • Keeping in touch with the Project about the young person’s achievements / growth and activities, and to receive ongoing support from the Project. • Open minded as the Project works with young people from a wide variety of backgrounds. • Following training, to be able to have empathy and understanding of some of the issues encountered by young people referred to the Project. • Continuous focus on the needs of the young person who you are matched with. • Willing to participate in a broad range of activities mutually agreed with the young person. • To be a positive adult role model for the young person and, very importantly, to have FUN! • Have an awareness of and be able to adhere to the Project’s policies and procedures.

Fresh Community Wellness is a growing grassroots charity, registered Scottish Charity Number, SC051346. We operate out of Aberdeen city, working within a (S.I.M.D) high neighbourhood to create lasting change and build a legacy for the future. Predominantly in Seaton neighbourhoods and outdoors, we work with volunteers/residents, with a salutogenic approach to community wellness. To help with this we have great opportunities and need people to help out as volunteers for a range of roles including: *Food growing, gardeners, greenspace management, tidy ups volunteers. *Mentors, community engagement, events, entertainers (kids, adults, 55+). *Outdoors games & sports volunteers, building outdoor areas for residents (sheltered housing seating), health. *Artists/ Sculptors to begin on our Street Art & Design projects, and sculptures. *Admin, coordinators, team lead volunteers, advisors & support volunteers. *Drop-in café helpers, advisors, cooking assistants. All are fantastic opportunities to make a real difference for people and communities in Aberdeen. Excellent support and relevant training is provided to all volunteers. For more details about these volunteer roles or other ways you can help support the important work and volunteering at Fresh Community Wellness SCIO, please contact our website www.freshcom.org.uk or email us at chair@freshcom.org.uk or secretary@freshcom.org.uk

Please Note: Our interviews and training programme are currently taking place online. We are currently looking for volunteer befrienders to support unaccompanied asylum seeking children in the following areas: Aberdeenshire, Inverness-shire, West Lothian, Galashiels, Moray, Dundee, Perth and Fife. The age of unaccompanied children on arrival in Scotland is around 13-17 years old so befrienders will be supporting mainly teenagers. Building social networks and social integration are a crucial part for young peoples’ successful transition to their new country and a volunteer can help support this by helping them get to know their new environment, introduce them to activities, and build confidence communicating in English. As a volunteer, you would have the satisfaction of supporting a young person in need, increasing your own confidence, enhancing your skills and experience – all the while having fun along the way! What will I be doing as a Befriender? Direct one-to-one befriending with a child or young person Building a positive relationship based on trust and mutual respect Helping with orientation: learning about their new community, transport links, cultural norms. Providing support to access and take part in social activities and opportunities within their local area, building on their conversational language skills. Motivate and encourage them to make positive choices in their lives. Listening to them by valuing and respecting their feelings, views and opinions. Where required taking an active part in reviews and evaluations. What will I gain from the role? High quality befriending training, child protection and role specific training A sense of satisfaction in helping children and young people in challenging circumstances achieve their full potential Practical experience of working with children and young people Experience to get back into the workplace or education or to change career path. At this time, because of feedback from the young people we support, we are particularly keen to hear from potential male volunteers; and whilst we are happy to accept applications from males and females of all ages we are keen to hear from potential volunteers in their 20s or 30s as our young people are often looking to share activities and experiences with people within this age range. Please note that this can sometimes be an active role (walking, cycling, sports). It may also be useful, though not essential, if a potential volunteer has access to a car as some travel may be involved. This role also requires a PVG and reference check which will be applied for and processed for by the project. If you are interested in this role please click the 'Apply' button below. We will then aim to be in touch with you within 5 working days to invite you for an informal chat where you can find out more about the role.