Barnardo's appeal for volunteers to befriend vulnerable children and young people in Highlands as coronavirus restrictions ease
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A charity which supports vulnerable families is seeking volunteers to become befrienders to children and young people in the Highlands.
Barnardo's has issued the appeal as its support services work towards resuming more face-to-face contact with children and families as coronavirus lockdown restrictions begin to ease.
It is holding an information event tomorrow at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness between 10am and 4pm for people wishing to find out more about the volunteering opportunities available and how their support could help to make a difference.
Barnardo’s Befrienders work with young people on a one-to-one basis, offering practical assistance and emotional support, to build their self-confidence, coping mechanisms and positive relationships.
The work could be focused on a particular need, such as confidence building, or it could be more focused around doing activities with a young person or supporting them to access local community groups.
The charity is looking for volunteers to work with children and young people at its Northern Lights Residential Service in Inverness who have experienced adverse childhood experiences, Barnardo’s Springboard Service supporting young people leaving care and the RISE Highland Service - a partnership supporting young children and their families who are at risk of, or affected by, child sexual exploitation.
Carol-Ann Crossan Guruge, team manager for Barnardo’s Highland services said: "We are extremely grateful to all of our wonderful volunteers for the huge difference they make to the lives of our children and families by giving their time and support.
"As more of our face-to-face work resumes over the coming weeks, we are eager to hear from more people who can consider volunteering with our services and we currently have several vacancies we are looking to fill.
"There is no set amount of hours – it is up to each individual how much time they can spare – but we are asking for people who can commit to a minimum of one year supporting the charity, to provide continuity for the young people we work with.
"Every effort is sincerely appreciated and full training and supervision is provided.
"The nature of these roles befriending children and young people is incredibly rewarding, as well as having significant positive impact for the individuals being supported."
One volunteer currently in a befriending role in Highland said: "Volunteering for Barnardo’s gives a sense of purpose, community and joy.
"I'm not sure who gets more out of it, me or the young people.
"It's a beautiful sense of belonging, being part of the family, and it's a privilege to see these young people open up and blossom.
"Good days, bad days, and in-between days – the important thing is to keep on being there.
"It means so much, especially on the days you don't think they want you there. That's when they take notice – when you show up even on the bad days."
Barnardo’s is looking for people with a passion for making a difference in young people’s lives, with a friendly and approachable attitude and an ability to engage young people, empowering them to take steps towards improving their situation and achieving their goals.
Further details about the volunteer befriending roles available can be found by visiting www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/children
Related story: Barnardos looking forward to re-opening shop
