Aberlour Scotland's Children's Charity

Charity registered in Scotland SC007991

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.


Current opportunities

What will I be doing? Aberlour Sycamore Services offer a safe and loving place to live for children who have experienced abuse or trauma. As a volunteer Befriender, you can play an active role in supporting a child emotionally, socially and helping them to enjoy a range of opportunities and activities. Volunteer Befrienders spend regular 1:1 time with a child to build up a trusting relationship, to develop interests and hobbies, and to be a consistent figure in a child’s life to support them through life transitions. The impact you can make Children living in our Sycamore Residential Services can benefit hugely from having a Befriender. Spending time on a 1:1 basis allows children to develop their communication skills and build their confidence and self-esteem through sharing in a fun activity. The benefits to you By volunteering as a Befriender in our Sycamore Residential Services, you can gain valuable experience of working with children and young people and developing an awareness of the issues affecting them. Volunteers can gain a sense of satisfaction knowing they are helping others to develop new skills and achieve their potential, while developing their own confidence and having fun. Volunteers are valued members of Sycamore Residential teams. Volunteer Befrienders typically spent time with a child once a month, during evenings and weekends.

Could you spend time with a child, sharing a hobby or activity on a regular basis? Aberlour works with children and young people who have experienced disadvantage, trauma or have disabilities. We pride ourselves on our child centred focus and strong commitment to the individual development of each child emotionally, socially, physically and intellectually. We work with whole families as well as children on their own. We are recruiting volunteer Befrienders to build relationships with children, young people or families. If you have a genuine interest in in the wellbeing of children and young people and live in the Dundee area we would love to hear from you. What will I be doing? Volunteers can make a make a difference to a child, young person or family’s life by:  Spending regular time with a Befriendee (child, young person or parent)  Spending time sharing in an activity or hobby with Befriendee  Encouraging Befriendee to attend groups and try new activities  Giving Befriendee someone to trust and talk to  Helping to support families who are experiences difficulties and being there for families when difficulties arise By volunteering with Aberlour, you can gain:  A sense of satisfaction in helping young people build their confidence and self esteem to achieve their full potential  Experience of supporting young people to flourish.  Practical experience of working with young people  Have fun!

Would you like to help children engage with play activities to build their skills and confidence? We are currently looking for volunteers to help improve the health and social wellbeing of children through fun activities. Aberlour works with children and young people who have experienced disadvantage, trauma or have disabilities. We pride ourselves on our child centred focus and strong commitment to the individual development of each child emotionally, socially, physically and intellectually. We work with whole families as well as children on their own. If you have a genuine interest in the wellbeing of children and young people and live in the Dundee area we would love to hear from you. What will I be doing? Volunteers can make a make a difference to a child, young person or family’s life by:  Assisting children with activities that can vary from music, storytelling and dance  Helping children with their emotional and physical wellbeing through activities such as arts and crafts  Supporting staff to undertake new activities  Helping children to have fun  Building young children’s confidence and self esteem  Supporting staff at outings  Welcoming families into the group and making them feel comfortable  Being a positive role model By volunteering with Aberlour, you can gain:  A sense of satisfaction in helping young people build their confidence and selfesteem to achieve their full potential  Experience of supporting young people to flourish.  Practical experience of working with young people  Have fun!

Purpose and Aims of the role: We are looking for befrienders to befriend a child of primary school age 5-12 for our new primary years outreach service. As a volunteer befriender you would be matched with a child, who you would spend regular time with on a 1:1 basis, building a trusting relationship and having fun. You would take part in activities that a child enjoys such as playing football/going to the park or to introduce them to new activities or hobbies that they may not have the opportunity to take part in normally. Befriender’s can be male or female, from various backgrounds and anyone aged 18 and over – there is no upper age limit to become a befriender! what will I be doing? Volunteers will be able to make a difference to a child’s life by: •Spending regular time 1:1 to build a trusted relationship •Sharing in an activity or hobby to develop interests and have fun •Encouraging child to take part in group activities to build confidence •Giving child someone to talk to develop communication skills •Being a consistent figure in the child’s life to support with life transitions What qualities do I need? •Ability to encourage and motivate others to participate in activities •To have a positive and encouraging approach to children and young people. •To have a non-judgmental approach to people, have empathy •Be enthusiastic, motivated, flexible, and committed •Reliable and approachable •Patience and understanding •Commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner •To have a good value base, be open minded and level headed When will I be needed? Befrienders will spend 2-4 hours either weekly or fortnightly with a child. As our children will be at school, outings will generally take place after school hours or weekends. A minimum of 6 months commitment is required for this role. What will I gain from the role? By volunteering with Aberlour, you can gain: •Excellent training •Make new friends and meet new people •Get out and about •Have FUN! •Attend social events. •A sense of satisfaction in helping children, young people and families build their confidence and self-esteem to achieve their full potential •Experience of supporting young people to flourish. •Practical experience of working with children, young people, and families What support will I be given? Aberlour aims to ensure volunteering is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Volunteers will receive: •Induction and child protection training •Specific befriending training relevant to the role •Ongoing support and supervision •Travel expenses and activity expenses •Named contact support Additional Information Due to Health and Safety requirements, you must be at least 18 years of age to undertake this volunteering role. For all roles involving regulated work with children and/or protected adults, Aberlour will require the applicant to submit a PVG Scheme Record or a PVG Scheme Record Update application. This opportunity is subject to the completion of satisfactory references and successful registration on the PVG Scheme.