As part of our Why I Volunteer in Aberdeen spotlight, we spoke to Lesley and Michaela to hear what inspired them to get involved, what volunteering means to them and the difference they believe it can make.

For many children and young people, having someone to talk to, spend time with or look up to can make a lasting difference in their lives. Befriend a Child provides this kind of support through a range of services, including befriending, youth clubs and their intandem mentoring programme.

Behind these services are dedicated volunteers who give their time to help children and young people feel supported, confident and encouraged to discover what they can achieve. Speaking with two of their volunteers, Lesley and Michaela share what brought them to Befriend a Child, their motivations for volunteering and the impact they have made on children and young people’s lives by giving their time.

Lesley

Lesley volunteers as a mentor through Befriend a Child’s intandem programme, providing support, guidance and encouragement to a young person who has experienced difficulties at home.

After stopping work, Lesley found herself with more spare time and wanted to do something worthwhile. Having previously worked in education and already familiar with Befriend a Child, volunteering at the charity felt like a natural choice.

For Lesley, one of the most important parts of mentoring is helping young people see that they have choices and opportunities. She believes the intandem programme can help young people broaden their horizons and understand what they can achieve.

“Volunteering for me is about showing the young people, ‘Look what you can do. Look what’s out there. Let’s try these things,’ and just making their world a bit bigger so that they know what’s available and what they can aim for.”

Lesley also enjoys the experience herself, describing the relationship with her mentee as great fun. They plan activities together, try new things and sometimes step outside their comfort zones.

“I have fun as much as she has fun,” Lesley says. “I just love seeing her having a good time and enjoying life – it just makes such a difference.”

Her advice to anyone considering volunteering is simple: “Befriend a Child has a great bunch of people. They’re all great fun and really committed to what they’re doing – just do it!”

Michaela

Michaela has volunteered with Befriend a Child’s youth club for nearly four years. The club runs three times a week across Northfield, Kincorth and Cummings Park, offering children a safe place to spend time, have fun and simply be themselves. Activities vary from week to week – from baking and trips to the park, to arts and crafts and playing video or board games.

For Michaela, volunteering is about being a positive role model and giving children another trusted person they can talk to: “Being there for a child who’s probably going through a lot and just wanting to speak to someone is really important to me,” she says.

Michaela first became involved with Befriend a Child after being invited to spend a day volunteering with young people. She enjoyed the experience and, a few years later, decided she wanted to return.

Volunteering has made a difference to Michaela too: “Befriend a Child has helped me gain my confidence,” she explains.

“Volunteering is a way to give your time and be there for someone. As well as the kids growing in their personalities, I’ve grown in myself – it does make a change to your life.”

Get Involved

Whether mentoring a young person, supporting a youth club or helping through one of Befriend a Child’s other services, volunteers play an important role in helping children and young people feel supported and valued.

As Lesley and Michaela have explained, volunteering can make a difference not only to the children involved but to volunteers themselves – building confidence, creating connections and providing a sense of purpose.

If you’re considering volunteering, Befriend a Child offers a range of opportunities to make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life. To find out more, visit their website at www.befriendachild.org.uk.

This article originally appeared in the September 2026 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine featuring a spotlight on the local third sector in Aberdeen and all those who work in it and make a positive impact in the city.

Sign up to have it sent directly to your inbox every month, and read our current and past editions at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news