BeFriends
About BeFriends
BeFriends is a Dundee-based charity supporting children and young people aged 5 to 25 through one-to-one befriending and specialist groups.
We connect young people who are experiencing challenges or at risk of social isolation with trained and PVG-checked adult volunteers. Befrienders and young people meet weekly or fortnightly to enjoy activities, try new experiences and explore their local community together.
Befriending provides young people with a trusted adult who listens, takes an interest in them and offers positive, consistent support. It can help build confidence, develop social skills and connections, and create opportunities to have fun and experience new things.
Our aim is to help children and young people feel connected, valued and supported to enjoy positive experiences as they grow and develop.
Scotland, DD4 6QW
Service Eligibility
BeFriends supports children and young people aged 5 to 25 who live in Dundee and who may be experiencing difficulties in their lives, social isolation or other circumstances where additional support and positive relationships could be beneficial.
Referrals can be made by professionals working with the child or young person, including schools, social work, health services and other community or voluntary organisations. Parents or carers can also make a referral.
All referrals are considered individually to ensure the service is appropriate for the young person and that we can provide a safe and suitable befriending match. Eligibility and suitability are discussed as part of the referral and assessment process.
Information for Volunteers
Volunteers are at the heart of BeFriends, helping children and young people build positive relationships, try new things and enjoy new experiences.
As a befriender, you will be carefully matched with a young person based on their interests, needs and circumstances. Before you begin, you will complete our recruitment and PVG process and receive full training and ongoing support from the BeFriends team.
You will normally meet your young person weekly or fortnightly, enjoying activities such as games, arts and crafts, sports, events, walks or a chat in a local café.
You don’t need previous experience. We are looking for reliable, patient and approachable adults who are good listeners and genuinely interested in getting to know a young person.
Befriending can help young people build confidence, social skills and connections, while volunteers gain valuable experience, training and skills.
More InformationAge Groups
Children (0-18), Young People (18-25)Themes
Care Experienced People, Mental Health, Children and Young PeopleRegions
Country: Scotland
Scottish Regions: Tayside
Other Information
Type of Befriending: Face to face befriending which takes place in the home or community
Who can refer: Friends & Family Referrals Accepted, Professional Referrals Accepted