One-to-One Befriending offers the friendship and support of trained, vetted and disclosure checked adult volunteers to local children aged 5-18 years who have been referred because they are experiencing difficulties within their lives. The volunteers and children enjoy activities together once per week or once every two weeks. These outings as well as giving the children the opportunity to have fun and gain new experiences also give the children the chance to discuss any problems or difficulties they may be having.
The Children and young people are referred for support for a broad range of reasons including Offending, Mental Health Issues, Bullying, Disability, Non Parental Care, Positive Experience, Domestic Violence, Caring Responsibilities, Abuse, Neglect, Substance Misuse, Behavioural Problems, Low Self Esteem, School Issues, Child Protection/Supervision Orders, Bereavement etc.
Befriending outings will on average last 2-3 and will include various activities and outing such as cinema, swimming, sports/activity centres, zoo/wildlife centre, play parks/recreational areas, places of interest such as RRS Discovery, Verdant Works, Sensation Science Centre, Dundee Law, Mills Observatory, Broughty Ferry Castle, McManus Galleries etc.
Anyone can refer to this service and we regularly receive referrals from social work departments, education departments, health professionals, voluntary agencies and parent/carers.
For more information about BeFriends please download our information leaflet.
Referral Criteria
aged 5-18 years
lives with Dundee City
is experiencing difficulties in their lives where they will benefit from the support of our one-to-one befriending project.
Referral Process
Seek permission to make the referral to BeFriends from the child and their family
Fully complete referral form and return to BeFriends
Once the completed referral form is received we will acknowledge receipt to both the referrer and the child's family
BeFriends will process the referral (this may require us to gain further information or carry out a needs assessment)
The referral will then be accepted or rejected based upon the above process
If accepted the child will then be placed onto our waiting list until a suitable befriender becomes available
Scottish Charity No. SC 022565.
A charitable company limited by guarantee - Registered in Scotland as BeFriends Limited No. SC 150411.