Befriending is a simple concept and it is a positive way for caring adults to become involved in supporting vulnerable children and young people in their own communities. However, befriending does not "just happen" and this report will outline some of the practicalities of befriending. It is important to recognise that in befriending the child's needs are paramount.

Children are referred to us by a variety of agencies including social work, schools, youth workers, and health. The individual child is then "matched" with a befriender and they then meet regularly and get to know each other.

Getting to know each other can involve many different activities; for instance, walking, cooking, cycling, swimming, talking, board games, bowling, watching TV, walking the dog, fishing, pictures, eating out, eating in, gardening. However, it is not the activity that is important but the quality time spent with the child and the individual attention which they receive. Befriending is not about "treats", it's about developing a good, trusting relationship between the befriender and child.