Becoming a volunteer

“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 1^ST website. Please see our Contacts page for your local volunteering contact.