South Ayrshire children's befriending charity appeals for more volunteers
It supports youngsters who feel isolated or have emotional difficulties
Last updated 19th Jan 2024
A children's befriending charity in South Ayrshire is asking for more volunteers to make a difference to young people's lives.
Befriend, a group based in Ayr, currently has 30 active members, but it says it urgently needs the extra help to support those aged 8-18 who are in need of a confidence boost.
The charity works with youngsters who feel socially isolated or who have social or emotional difficulties. This is done through providing one-to-one befriending and group activities.
For children, these can include learning new skills, playing sports and attending football matches, and for young people, they can also get help with their CV.
'Invaluable' service
Project coordinator Lorna Mitchell is keen to emphasise the vital support the group offers.
She said: "We've got lots of lovely, wonderful people who befriend for us at the moment, however there is an increasing list of young people who would benefit from having a befriender.
"And we are really looking for people who feel they could give a little bit of time to support a young person.
"The work of the volunteers is so invaluable.
"The young people often say to us it's not about the activity they do, it's about spending time with someone who is trusted and safe."
Cody's story
Bfriend has helped many children and young people overcome difficulties.
One of those is Cody, who struggled with socialising after the pandemic.
"You get to have new experiences, meet new people and do things you didn't think you were able to do," the youngster explained.
"When I first got a befriender, we went fishing and it helped me boost my confidence after Covid.
"Bfriend got me used to going back out and interacting people and it helped me get used to reentering stores which I despised after Covid."
After full training, volunteers are matched with a young person before deciding which activities they can do together.
If you are interested in getting involved, you can become a befriender by clicking HERE.