What is the Young Persons Befriending Service?
This is a Service for young people between the ages of 12 and 18 who are
lonely, isolated or experiencing difficulty with day to day life. It is available to
young people living in the Stirling Council area.
Why Befriending?
The Service aims to help young people build up their self esteem, while alleviating social isolation through the support of a consistent and reliable befriender. A relationship that is independent of a teenager's social network of family and peers has been shown to be beneficial when it offers the individual the opportunity to confide and talk with someone they can trust.
Who are Befrienders?
Befrienders are trained volunteers. They must be over 18 and willing to give a couple of hours a week/fortnight to spend with their befriendee. All volunteers are asked to make a commitment of a year minimum to befriending. No previous experience or qualifications are required. What is important is a genuine interest in volunteering with and an ability to relate to, young people.
What does a Befriender do?
A Befriender is matched one-to-one with a young person. They will spend time together regularly, doing things like trying out new hobbies or going for a coffee and a chat.
What qualities make a good Befriender?
- Good communication skills
- Empathy
- Reliability
- Common sense
- A sense of humour
- Non-judgemental approach
Are any checks carried out on volunteers?
All volunteers come for an informal chat with the Co-ordinator, then an interview with the Director. Two references are taken up, as well as an Enhanced Level Disclosure check. Volunteers must complete the Volunteer Training course before being matched with a young person.
What about support?
All volunteers have regular support and supervision sessions with the Co-ordinator. This maintains contact and allows any issues to be discussed. The young person also has regular contact with the Co-ordinator for the same reasons.
Befriending is very rewarding and good fun!
For further information
please contact the Service Co-ordinator: -
The Young Persons Befriending Service
Stirling & District Association for Mental Health
19 Dean Crescent, Riverside
Stirling FK8 1UR
Or:
Telephone: 01786 451203
Email: info@stirlingmentalhealth.org.uk
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