Befriender-Children and Young People

A befriender role can be 1:1 with a child or young person or sometimes can be 2:1 alongside another volunteer. A befriender would be supporting a child/young person who has additional support needs and the aim of the role will vary as it will depend on the individual needs of the child/young person. Befrienders would normally help support the child/young person to access the local community and this could be for new experiences or finding activities that the child/young person is interested in doing. This role can help provide a listening ear, help build up confidence and help with wellbeing. We would be looking for a commitment of 6 months and the role can be weekly or fortnightly, no more then 2 hours per session and would take place after school/early evening or at a weekend.

We sometimes have befriender opportunities to support a parent/carer at the Dundee service which would be a 6 month commitment and 2 hours per session, weekly or fortnightly and would be during the day time. Occasionally as well we can look for befrienders to support a parent/carer and a child/children at family befriender sessions.

All applications are done via www.barnardos.org.uk and the befriender role will be listed. All prospective volunteers will need to complete an induction process which can take up to 8 weeks which includes induction meetings, reference checks, PVG Disclosure Check and induction training. Full support is provided by volunteer coordinator.

For the befriender role applicants must be 18 and over due to lone working. The role will take place in Dundee but locations will vary depending on where the family home is and activities that are being planned.

Driver is not essential to this role.