Young Person's Volunteer Befriender (Kilmarnock, Irvine, Ayr, Troon, Prestwick, Girvan)

Bfriend provides a befriending service for young people aged 8-18 (living across South Ayrshire) who may be socially isolated or who have social or emotional difficulties. We match young people with an adult befriender who can spend a few hours each fortnight spending time with them and giving them chances to experience new activities and opportunities.

What Can you Expect?

• To make a difference to a young person's life


• To share skills, experience and interests with young people


• To learn new skills


• Access to additional training


• To meet new people


• To have fun!


• To expand career opportunities


• Flexibility. There are no set times and dates for befriending.


• Ongoing support and guidance from your allocated Project Co-ordinator


• All reasonable expenses to be reimbursed


A Befriender:

• Is 18+


• Is able to communicate well with others


• Will attend and successfully complete Volunteer training course


• Must become a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme


• Should be able to travel by walking, public transport or car


• Should be comfortable working on their own and in group settings


• Can seek advice and support from a Co-ordinator


• Respects people's differences


• Is happy to participate in a broad range of activities


• Will be a positive adult role model


• Will commit to the role for a minimum of 6 months


A Befrienders Role:

• To take part in initial training sessions


• To be matched on a one to one basis with a young person and participate in regular fortnightly outings


• To be aware of the Project's policies and procedures and adhere to them


• To participate in group outings and volunteer support sessions when able


• To undertake refresher/further training as and when required


Support for our Befrienders:

• New volunteers undertake an induction training course (normally delivered over four sessions).


• The Project Co-ordinators maintain regular contact with befrienders, meeting with them approximately every 8 - 12 weeks to provide support advice and guidance where necessary. This continues throughout the volunteer's involvement with the Project.


• Further training sessions and social nights for our volunteers


• Be part of a Befriending Family!


• This role is considered to be Regulated Work with children as specified in the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) (PVG) Act 2007. Accordingly applicants will be required to become a member of the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if already a Scheme member, prior to any formal offer of this role. Under Part 1, Section 34 of the Act it is a criminal offence to knowingly apply for Regulated Work if you have been barred from this type of work. If you wish further information on the PVG Scheme you can visit the Disclosure Scotland website.