One-to-One Volunteers
Information
What is the role of a
Volunteer Befriender?
The role of a volunteer befriender is
to offer the young person an opportunity to form a trusting relationship
with an accepting and understanding person who is reliable, consistent
and dependable.
What is expected of a Volunteer Befriender?
Volunteer befrienders are in a position
of trust, offering support in a caring and responsible way to young
people who are often extremely vulnerable. A high degree of
commitment is required with the ability to work within organisational
boundaries and procedures.
What commitment is required?
We ask that volunteer befrienders
commit at least 2-3 hours per week or fortnight.
Is training offered?
All volunteers must complete a
preparation course in order to prepare them for befriending. The
Preparation Course will run once per week over an eight week period and
will usually last approximately two hours per session.
Topics covered include:
- Roles and Tasks of a
Befriender
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- Responsibilities of a
Befriender
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- Befriending and Friendships
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What about background checking?
Due to the nature of the project and
its contact with children and young people all volunteers must undergo
an enhanced disclosure check through Disclosure Scotland. In
addition names of two people who can act as a referee must be given
also.
What happens next?
Once the Preparation Course has been
completed and disclosure checks and references have been received you will then select a young person to befriend from the
waiting list.
We will contact the young persons
family and arrange an introductory visit whereby you can meet the young
person and their family.
What about expenses?
Out of pocket expenses are covered for
each outing but unfortunately due to budget restrictions we have had to
set a maximum amount that can be claimed for each outing. These
amounts will be given on commencement of befriending.
What support is given to Volunteer
Befrienders?
We believe that support is vital in
order to help befrienders give their best and to reassure them that they
are 'on the right track'.
Support is available on an individual
basis and also offered through group support meeting organised by the
project.
Volunteers can contact the project
at any time for support, help or guidance.
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