Features

Give a little, gain a lot

The Volunteer Centre's Befriending Service offers young people who are isolated or vulnerable support and the opportunity to try new activites; to bulid self-esteem and confidence.

It could offer you, as a Volunteer Befriender:

• Enhanced employment prospects
• Quality training
• Fun
• The chance to support a young person who is experiencing difficulty

The befriending training programme runs throughout the year

What is the main purpose of the Befriending Service?

The main purpose is to provide a quality service to young people aged 8-18 who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.

Whether this is because of unusual pressures in the family, difficulties at school or some other factor, the Service is designed to offer the young person support and an opportunity for “time out” having fun.

What does befriending involve?

Each young person referred to the Service will have different needs and interests. The Support Workers will endeavour to match you with a young person on the basis of common interests and personality, your experience, abilities and skills.

As a volunteer you would be expected to commit yourself to befriending for at least six months from the date you are matched, with contact averaging 2 to 4 hours per week. Some matches last considerably longer and some will have variations in frequency.

In addition, you would have monthly contact with a Support Worker and quarterly meetings with other befrienders involved with the Service (these would be informal or social gatherings, or issue based training opportunities). You would also be required to complete a brief log or diary of each meeting or visit with the young person (not a major report, but a simple ten minute questionnaire.

Where and when you meet and what you do is up to you and your young person (and sometimes their parents) as long as there is a consistent commitment and regularity. You must always ensure that the young person’s family know where you are going, what you will be doing and when they will be returning home. There are some restrictions to the kind of activities which the Service can sanction, but you will be advised of these long before you are matched. If in doubt, always check with your Support Worker

What can the volunteer expect?

In terms of the relationship itself, much depends on why you want to be involved. Befrienders volunteer for a variety of reasons and we will do our best to address your agenda and needs. However, all volunteers can expect quality training which starts with the Befrienders Training Programme and continues throughout their involvement.

The monthly meetings with your Support Worker and the diary/log sheets will be used to identify individual, further training needs. Beyond this, you would be encouraged to request training on anything remotely related to your voluntary work. We can offer no guarantees but would endeavour to accommodate any reasonable suggestion.

All expenses are reimbursed, within reasonable limits; you will be advised of this in more detail. Should you wish to engage in other forms of voluntary work, as part of the Volunteer Centre the Service is well placed to advise you about what opportunities exist. Many people find befriending is a useful stepping stone to personal and career development.

Finally, and probably most importantly, you can expect to enjoy the experience and have some fun.

What if something goes wrong?

The Project Workers are available at fairly short notice to talk over any difficulties. If not, then you will be provided with a name and contact number of another source of support. However, many of the likely problems which might occur can be avoided with careful planning and these are explored in the training programme.

What if I’m told something in confidence?

Confidentiality is a major issue in befriending and as such forms a considerable part of the Preparation Training. Our policy on Confidentiality is set in the context of Child Protection. Young people and families are made aware that the welfare and safety of the young person is of paramount importance and as such places limitations on confidentiality. You should always discuss disclosed information or any concerns with your Support Worker.

YPBS is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people. It recognises its responsibility to take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and to protect children from harm, risk of harm, abuse and exploitation.

What if I can’t keep to an agreed meeting with the young person?

Many of the young people referred to the Service will have been let down by adults in the past and part of your role is to help them rediscover their trust. If you are forced to change an arrangement you must try to get a message to the young person. Your Support Worker would be happy to help with this.

What if I get over-involved?

You should be clear from the outset how much time you intend to share, at most this will be once a week. Reliability is more important than frequency. Avoid involvement in money matters and family disputes. Under no circumstances should you invite the young person to your home. Remember that it is yourself you are sharing—not your home or your personal life. It is also advisable to avoid the giving or receiving of gifts of value. Show you care by being there, by what you say and do.

If you have something to offer and something to gain as a Befriender then call the Volunteer Centre on 0141 226 3431 or email leaving full contact details at:

befriending@volunteerglasgow.org or visit the website at:

www.volunteerglasgow.org/befriending

You can download the volunteering leaflet below:

Volunteer Leaflet (inside)

Volunteer Leaflet (outside)