One to One Befriending
One-to-One Befriending is our core service. We train and match volunteers to local young people aged 5 - 25 years. The volunteers and young people enjoy activities together once a week. These outings act as the backdrop for engaging the young person, as well as providing opportunities for experiences, development of social skills, and a lot of fun for the young person and the volunteer. One to one befriending provides the clearest opportunity for a young person to have someone in their lives that is just for them.
Young people are referred to us for a multitude of reasons; experiencing hardship is, however, the sentiment that underpins all of them. Ultimately those referred to Befriends we acknowledge would benefit from the extra support that we can provide as a friend.
The current prevailing reason for referral is Social Isolation, followed by Confidence and self-esteem issues. While our volunteers are aware of the reasons for their young person’s referral it is seldom discussed unless prompted by the Young Person. We are there to provide a sense of escapism and growth from whatever else they are facing in life; Befriending is a scaffolding that supports the children and young people to develop, learn and grow until the support is no longer required and the scaffolding is carefully removed.
Young people are referred to us for a multitude of reasons; experiencing hardship is, however, the sentiment that underpins all of them. Ultimately those referred to Befriends we acknowledge would benefit from the extra support that we can provide as a friend.
The current prevailing reason for referral is Social Isolation, followed by Confidence and self-esteem issues. While our volunteers are aware of the reasons for their young person’s referral it is seldom discussed unless prompted by the Young Person. We are there to provide a sense of escapism and growth from whatever else they are facing in life; Befriending is a scaffolding that supports the children and young people to develop, learn and grow until the support is no longer required and the scaffolding is carefully removed.
One to One Outings
Outings and activities are a fundamental to building relationships and act as the backdrop to all one to one befriending. It is through shared interactive outings that we see the befriending relationship grow and the young people flourish. The outings usually last a couple of hours and will include various activities. Our young people and befrienders are creative and inventive and happily share ideas for activities with each other. Visiting galleries and museums can provide great scope for constant stimuli and discussion. The Science Centre and St Andrews Aquarium can provide fantastic opportunities to learn and even play together. You might decide to go to yoga, an exercise class, or play frisbee in the park together. What about a little pampering? It can be a great experience to get your nails painted together. Sometimes something as simple as going for a walk or having a drink in the sunshine is all that is needed to kickstart an amazing befriending experience for the young person and volunteer.
Outings and activities are often suggested by the young person and facilitated by the volunteer. Sometimes it takes a little time for young people to say what they would like to do so our volunteers need to be ready to suggest lots of fun things to do. The key is finding the right outings and activities to allow the befriending relationship to thrive enabling the young person to learn, develop, and tackle the issues they may be facing and indirectly improve on the key areas that they were referred to befriending for.
Outings and activities are often suggested by the young person and facilitated by the volunteer. Sometimes it takes a little time for young people to say what they would like to do so our volunteers need to be ready to suggest lots of fun things to do. The key is finding the right outings and activities to allow the befriending relationship to thrive enabling the young person to learn, develop, and tackle the issues they may be facing and indirectly improve on the key areas that they were referred to befriending for.
Referrals
Anyone can refer to Befriends; we regularly receive referrals from social work departments, education departments, health professionals, voluntary agencies and parent/carers. If you know of a young person that may benefit from a befriender get in touch via our referral form or our contact page.
Here is a copy of our referral form. You can fill this in for yourself or someone you know, so long as you have their permission.
Here is a copy of our referral form. You can fill this in for yourself or someone you know, so long as you have their permission.
Criteria
- aged 5-25 years
- lives with Dundee City
- is experiencing some challenges in their lives that suggest they will benefit from the support of our befriending services..
Scottish Charity No. SC 022565.
A charitable company limited by guarantee - Registered in Scotland as BeFriends Limited No. SC 150411.
A charitable company limited by guarantee - Registered in Scotland as BeFriends Limited No. SC 150411.