Pioneering project supports Scotland's hardest to help children
One of the country’s leading social care charities is calling on volunteer mentors to support vulnerable children across Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire.
Quarriers is one of 13 charities from across Scotland selected to roll out Intandem, a project funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Inspiring Scotland.
It provides support via a mentoring programme to some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children aged between eight and 14 who live at home and are subject to local authority supervision.
Alice Harper, Quarriers chief executive, said: “This is a valuable service and we’re so pleased that Quarriers has the opportunity to roll out this programme. It aligns closely with our strategic priority to support looked after children and young people.
"The emphasis on building trusting relationships with the child and family is at the heart of our approach to mentoring.
“The purpose of the mentor is to be someone the young person can rely on, who provides support and helps to expand their horizons by identifying opportunities that improve their life in the longer term.
"This further allows them to establish a good relationship with someone they can look up to and someone who can empathise with them.
"Quarriers believes that positive role models assist significantly with children’s development and wellbeing, ensuring higher self-esteem and better mental health.”
The charity will provide on-going training and support for volunteers to ensure they have the appropriate skills.
Wendy Woolfson, Quarriers volunteer mentor coordinator, said children needing support came from a variety of backgrounds.
“For example, they could be living with a parent experiencing substance misuse and as a result, they may miss out on participating in activities that other children take for granted,” she said.
“Our mentors will be there to ensure they don’t miss out on these opportunities.”
If you would like to get involved and help to deliver the service, contact Quarriers.
