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“I really enjoyed being part of a team and an organisation where you felt
you were benefiting others. You're actually doing something and you see
directly what difference you make. For a young person, this experience could
affect them for the rest of their lives."
Jane, bfriends volunteer
Who are our volunteers?
bfriends welcomes volunteers from all sections of the community. Our
volunteers give their time (3 to 4 hours per week) and bring their energy,
enthusiasm and commitment. In return, volunteers have fun, satisfaction,
excellent training opportunities, their expenses reimbursed and the support of the
project development worker. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and
able to commit to a minimum of one year of being matched with a young person
after completing training. We ask for two references and request that all
volunteers undertake an enhanced disclosure check.
What training do volunteers receive?
The bfriends induction training course consists of eight three-hour sessions one
evening per week, usually between 6-9pm. Our training introduces volunteers to
the bfriends approach to befriending, and looks at: communication, poverty and
deprivation, child protection, boundaries, discrimination and prejudice, ways of
helping and emergency first aid. Our training is endorsed by CeVe (the Community
Education Validation and Endorsement Unit).
What support does bfriends offer?
After completing our training programme, volunteers are allocated to a
bfriends base where they have the support of a project development worker who
is available to offer help or advice. Regular volunteer support group meetings
are held which allow volunteers to support each other and exchange ideas. Out of
pocket expenses and further training opportunities are also provided.
How do I get started?
Click here to download an information pack from
the CHILDREN 1ST website. Please see our Contacts page for your local volunteering contact.
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Becoming
a volunteer
