Feedback from families who have had befriending support tells us a Befriender can be life changing. A befriender can provide emotional support to help build positive relationships between parents and their baby and improve parents’ mental health. Accessing activities in the community, going for a walk, or talking over a cuppa are some of the ways in which a Befriender can make a real difference for parents and their babies. A Mum who used our service recently said “My befriender is like a wee rainbow coming in to make everything better”

Could you make a difference to children and young people in Fife? Are you looking for a new, meaningful challenge, a fun opportunity or a sense of achievement? Barnardo's are looking for enthusiastic individuals to offer support to children and young people across Fife, helping them to develop social skills, resilience and confidence. Befrienders engage in activities with children and young people. They can accompany them on trips to local parks and beaches, to libraries or to clubs or support them to develop hobbies. Befrienders also act as role models for children and young people by promoting trusting relationships and self-confidence.

Many of our clients who engage with the CARDS Service become curious about or wish to engage in recovery or with dedicated recovery services. In response to feedback from clients and volunteers we now have dedicated Peer Volunteers who themselves are in recovery and have lived experience of that journey and can provide our clients with hope and belief that they can make a positive change.

Human contact is vital. As we are all finding out, without it, life changes. Community Alcohol Related Damages Service is a befriending service run by Rowan Alba. Health care specialists, GP’s, hospitals and mental health services refer individuals to our service. These people, for various reasons have been living the way we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of them for most of their lives. We need to recruit and train volunteers now so we can respond to those that have been referred to us during this time.

You will be involved in finding out what activities our residents would like to do then help to plan, organize and make it happen for them. You will be running one to one activities with residents but also put on group events. Our aim is to encourage and support our residents to pursue what they enjoy, reduce isolation and hopefully in turn reduce their drinking by engaging them in meaningful activities.

Your support and encouragement could help someone to: Remain independent at home, socially connected and engaged. Reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Increase self-confidence. Create links with the local community. Develop informal local support networks. Examples of activities include; Taking up a new hobby or interest. Joining a local club or group of interest, eg craft, singing, gardening. Visiting a library, church, local gallery or exhibition. Short walks.

This role is similar to that of peer mentor or befriender in that you will provide companionship to those living at Crighton Place. This could be as simple as being available to play a board game or cook a meal together. At other times you may accompany a resident to the cinema/shops/museum or to an event in the city.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an individual who aspires to become involved within the social care sector to provide 1:1 befriending within our residential unit. The individual would base within our vibrant residential unit. The individual would be supported by an allocated Senior Social Care Worker for support, information, and guidance. The main duty of this role is: • Provide 1:1 befriending to our residents providing social chats. • Develop positive relationships with staff, visitors, and residents. • Undertake training as required including an induction. • Adhere to policies and procedures within the partnership. • Lead a project with the residents and participate with activities.

Braeburn Court provides respite care and short breaks in St Margaret’s Hope for older people. We are looking for volunteers to help with social activities such as visiting for a chat, reading newspapers or books aloud, making crafts or playing music. This is a great opportunity for anyone wishing to gain experience of volunteering in social care but also anyone who has a fun skill to share, some time to give or just loves having a blether.

Everyone can feel lonely and isolated at times, especially if experiencing hardship. In response to the effects of loneliness and isolation on peoples wellbeing (physical, emotional, social and mental health), that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated, TLC have responded to this need and further developed our befriending service to combat the loneliness and isolation felt by many in our city. Our service is provided to anyone aged 18 years and over in Aberdeen who is experiencing or at risk of loneliness or isolation. Your help as a volunteer would therefore make a real difference. Our expertly trained and compassionate volunteers not only provide a lifeline to people, in the form of friendship, but also a helping hand to reconnect to the community, bringing joy and passion back into people’s lives. If you would like to be a beacon of hope to someone in need, please do apply to join our fantastic team of volunteers. For further information please email us at volunteer@tlc.org.uk