‘Every child deserves a chance in life and the thought of being a positive role model and playing a part in helping someone made me want to become a befriender,’ – Michelle Eastcroft, befriender.

Befriending is our largest and most in demand programme and is designed for children aged 4 ½ – 16 years old who are facing difficult life circumstances.

Children can be referred to our befriending programme by education, social work, health professionals or third sector partners for a number of reasons including a lack of confidence or self-esteem, social isolation, lack of a positive adult role model, substance misuse in the family home and more.

Befrienders meet with their befriendees twice a month for a couple of hours each time for a minimum of one year to take part in fun activities to help them increase their confidence and self-esteem, learn new skills, reduce their social isolation and show them more of what life has to offer.

Volunteer befrienders should be:

• Reliable
• Committed for one year
• Non judgemental
• Respectful of confidentiality
• Enthusiastic and fun

Following interview Befriend a Child provide full training, PVG checks and match befrienders with a child who shares common interests, likes and dislikes.