Befriender/Mentor-children, young people and parents

In Perth and Kinross, the children and young people we support will be or have been affected by parental substance use, poor parental mental health, domestic violence or have an additional support need. They may also have experienced impact of poverty, neglect and abuse, homelessness, their own poor mental health and emerging substance use issues, as well as a care histories and behavioural issues. 

We look for volunteers (aged 18+) to provide valuable support to a child/young person or parent (volunteer can choose role that they do) and to be a listening ear, to help build up their confidence, improve wellbeing and to help them to engage in different activities out and about in the community. As Perth and Kinross is a huge area volunteers will be able to see where the role is based before being matched to minimise travel time.

Befriender/mentor roles are usually for a 6 month period and would be either 2 hours per week or 2 hours per fortnight. Roles will either be during the day, after school, early evening or at weekends depending on who a volunteer is matched to.

Volunteers can gain experience supporting children, young people or parents which can help for future education or career goals. It is a way for people to give back within the community and that is rewarding itself for individuals. The quality time and support provided makes a difference as time is valuable and having the support of a volunteer can be beneficial to the individual but for the whole family as well. Volunteers play an important role at Barnardo's and we couldn't help as many children, young people and families without volunteers.