Reality of life for befrienders promoted in drive for volunteers
Traditional views of befrienders are being challenged in a bid to recruit more volunteers.
Befriending Networks said many services are struggling to attract new volunteers thanks to an “outdated, stereotypical view” of befriending.
The organisation, which represents services across the country, said befriending was more than just visiting housebound people for a chat.
Ahead of Befriending Week at the start of November, the network is promoting the reality of life for befrienders around Scotland.
This has been beneficial for my career as well as making me feel good through helping others
Cheryl has just completed her first year with North Lanarkshire Befriending Project, where she befriends Amy, a young girl with low confidence and self- esteem.
She said: “Over the course of the year we got to do lots of things: cinema trips, bowling, ice-skating, shopping, Strathclyde Park, Airspace, Pizza Hut and restaurants.
“I have noticed a positive change in Amy since I met her. Amy was apprehensive at first about doing things that involved large crowds of people, but she grew in confidence over the year.”
Cheryl recently started a part-time job as a support worker for young people, and credits befriending with helping her secure the job.
“The project staff were very interested in my time as a befriender, so this has been beneficial for my career as well as making me feel good through helping others,” she said.
“I feel that we all have a social responsibility to help others in our communities, and befriending is just one way in which I can do this – whilst having fun at the same time.”
A spokeswoman for Befriending Networks listed the wide range of activities that volunteers could find themselves doing.
These included visiting museums and galleries, dog-walking, hillwalking, dining out, going to theatres, cinemas and concerts, cooking, gardening, shopping, reading, skating, swimming and helping people get connected to online and real communities.
The network includes 180 organisations supporting 6,300 people who are lonely or marginalised, and is urging anyone who might be interested in volunteering to get in touch.
Details can be found on the charity’s website.
