Introduction What's involved? Could I do it?
In their own words... Who can be a Befriender?
  • From a befriender: "I feel that now my family is grown up I can hopefully help another child. The fact that you don't need special qualifications, just time, patience and common sense appealed to me."

  • From Tom, aged 14: "I enjoyed my befrienders because I had a lot of fun with them and their son. I think it helped me to calm down and come back to earth."

  • From the parent of an 11 year old young carer: "She looks forward to her time with her befriender and I feel it gives her a chance to be with someone who can give her the attention she needs. This has left her feeling less left out and has eased the pressure for all of us."

  • From George, aged 12: "My befriender and I were both cautious at first - scared in case we put a foot in it. But pretty soon these feelings went away and it didn't take us long to get to know one another."

  • From a befriender: "A collegue told me about befriending. I was impressed and realised there was an ongoing need. I felt I would like to be a part of it in some small way. I didn't realise how much I would get out of it."

Throughout Argyll and Bute there is a growing number of people who are befriending children and young people who are in difficulty. Many of the volunteers had doubts at the start and here are some of the questions they raised:

IS MY AGE A PROBLEM?

There are befrienders in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s so the answer is no; please contact us if you are interested, whatever your age.

DO I NEED TO BE IN EMPLOYMENT?

There are befrienders who are in a very wide range of jobs as well as befrienders who are unemployed, retired, and those who are at home caring for others.

DO I NEED TO BE A PARENT?

No. There are single befrienders, both men and women as well as people who befriend as a couple and some who befriend as a family. It is important for us to have a choice if possible so that an appropriate 'match' can be made.

DO I NEED QUALIFICATIONS?

No. If you have patience, a sense of humour, commitment and you enjoy the company of children and young people, you could think about becoming a befriender.

WHAT SAFE GUARDS ARE INVOLVED

Child protection is a high priority and references are sought and police checks are carried out on all applicants.

Befrienders, 18 Argyll Street, Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8NE
Tel: 01546 603 144 - or Sheila : 0791 860 1566 - or Cathi : 0791 860 1567
Email: enquiries@befriendersforchildren.com

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