ABOUT THE ROLE
A befriender is an adult volunteer who, after a period of training and assessment will provide a 1:1 supportive friendship for a socially isolated young person aged between 8 and 18 who lives in South Ayrshire. This will involve meeting on a fortnightly basis for a few hours and sharing activities and time together.
This role is considered to be Regulated Work with children as specified in the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) (PVG) Act 2007. Accordingly applicants will be required to become a member of the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if already a Scheme member, prior to any formal offer of this role. Under Part 1, Section 34 of the Act it is a criminal offence to knowingly apply for Regulated Work if you have been barred from this type of work. If you wish further information on the PVG Scheme you can visit the Disclosure Scotland website at www.disclosurescotland.co.uk.
WHAT BEFRIENDERS DO
☻To be matched on a 1:1 basis with a young person
☻To participate in fortnightly outings with the young person
☻To participate where possible in monthly group outings and
volunteer support sessions
☻To participate in regular support meetings (every 3-4 outings, lasting
approx 30 mins) and maintain effective communication with the Project
☻To develop and maintain positive relationship with young person
☻To be aware of the Project’s policies and procedures and adhere to them
☻To comply with Project’s administrative procedures
☻Undertake refresher/further training as and when required
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
☻To be able to communicate well with others
☻To attend and successfully complete Volunteer training course
held over 4 sessions
☻To become a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme
☻To commit to their role for a minimum of 6 months
☻To be sufficiently independent to meet travel requirements,
by walking, public transport or car
☻Be comfortable working on their own and in group settings
☻Be able to seek advice and support from Co-ordinator when necessary
☻To be non judgmental, respecting people’s differences
☻To have an understanding or awareness of some issues
faced by young people referred to the Project
☻To be able to focus on the needs of the young person
☻Be willing to participate in a broad range of activities
☻To give sufficient notice to Co-ordinators, preferably a minimum of 3 months
if you need or wish to bring your involvement with the Project to an end
☻To be a positive adult role model
TRAINING AND SUPPORT
☻New volunteers undertake an induction training & assessment period which consists of 4 x 3 hour sessions. Thereafter if matched on a 1:1 basis volunteer sessions are offered on a regular basis and comprise of a mixture of training, information and social events.
☻The Co-ordinators maintain regular contact with befrienders, meeting with them throughout their match every 6 – 8 weeks offering support advice and guidance where necessary. This continues throughout the volunteer’s involvement with the Project.
☻References can be given on request following successful 6 month commitment and fulfilment of role.
☻All out of pocket expenses are reimbursed.