Organisations and individuals working with young people in North and West Edinburgh got the chance to find out more about befriending at CHILDREN 1st’s Open Day at bfriends Prentice Centre base last Friday.
bfriends volunteers provide friendship and support for children and young people who are experiencing difficulties at home, at school or in the community. The aim is to help build young people’s self-confidence and self-esteem, and to open up opportunities for personal and social development.
Project development worker Paul Burke (pictured below, with volunteer Charlene Paul) said: “CHILDREN 1ST reopened its bfriends base in North Edinburgh recently and we are keen to raise our profile with local agencies and let people know more about the service, volunteers and the young people we work with. Young people need to have someone they can count on when they are having a hard time but sometimes there is no one for them to talk to – our volunteer befrienders are trained and supported to work with children and young people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives or whose support networks have been eroded because of changes in their family.”
“Volunteers are matched on a one-to-one basis with children and young people Together, they can try out new experiences designed to broaden the young person’s horizons. As they get to know each other and develop a good relationship, the child or young person can have fun and have a break from their everyday lives.”
Referrals are accepted from children and young people aged five to 14, who experience difficulties at home, at school, or in the community, including those living in designated areas of disadvantage, from black and ethnic minorities and children referred through pupil support groups.
For more information go to www.children1st.org.uk/services and www.bfriends.org.uk
