You will be matched with a child/young person (4 to 16 years) who has additional support needs e.g. Learning Disability, Autism, ADHD, Asperger’s or their siblings. Spending regular 1:1 time with you, weekly for 3 or 4 hours, they will become more confident and have fun in the process. You will develop a positive and trusting relationship with the child you are matched with, encouraging and enabling them to go to places and try new things that interest them with you.

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'.

Befrienders engage in a range of one-to-one, fun activities helping to build the child’s confidence and self-esteem and introducing them to new experiences. Befrienders are matched with a child or young person aged between 5 and 18 who is affected by HIV or Hepatitis. Activities are focused around the child and their befriender’s interested and could include trips to museums, trampoline parks, tourist attractions, outdoor play areas, sporting matches, and galleries. any of the children and young people we support have undergone Adverse Childhood Experiences that continue to negatively impact their wellbeing, development, and behaviour. They often struggle with poor numeracy and literacy, inability to focus, low self-esteem and poor mental health. We want to continue to support them, and their families and we need your help to make this happen! As a Befriender you will need to commit to a minimum of 1 year of volunteering, in order to nurture feelings of trust and safety, and to provide a consistent positive influence. All sessions take place out of the office, the volunteer would be able to choose an accessible place to meet their needs. Our office is not disability accessible, however we would ensure we have any meetings/interviews/training sessions located somewhere accessible if necessary.

The Caf4e & Company Lunch Club is working with Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership to address the problem of social isolation among older people in Bridge of Don. The Lunch Club runs once a fortnight on Fridays and provides a nutritious hot meal along with activities and entertainment and the opportunity for members and volunteers to socialise and develop friendships. Volunteers benefit as they find themselves involved in a community where they are able to help others but also receive support, encouragement and friendship. We provide a warm and welcoming environment and volunteers are able to choose which tasks suit them best – driving, social interaction & hosting tables, practical tasks, befriending. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference. All help is greatly appreciated. To find out more, please contact the Lunch Club Coordinator Rachel Wallace at Rachel.caf4e@outlook.com