Befriend a Child
About Befriend a Child
At Befriend a Child we ensure that local children and young people have the opportunity to create positive childhood memories.
We support children and young people growing up in difficult life circumstances across Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire to develop into confident young adults and help them reach their full potential.
Befriending is our largest and most in demand programme and is designed for children aged 5-16 who could benefit from a trusted adult role model. Befrienders are matched with a young person and take them out twice a month for a few hours each time for a minimum of a year to take part in fun activities to help them increase their confidence and self-esteem, learn new skills, reduce their social isolation and show them more of what life has to offer.
Scotland, AB11 6DJ
Service Eligibility
Children and Young People from 5 – 16 years old living in Aberdeen city and within a 25 mile radius of the city into Aberdeenshire.
We accept referrals from
We accept referrals for children from a number of avenues including social work, education, health professionals and third sector partners.
Reasons for referral can include but are not limited to:
Lack of a positive adult role model
Child or parent mental health
Child suffered abuse or neglect
Parental alcohol or substance use
Social isolation
If you know of a child who would benefit from having a volunteer befriender or mentor, please download and fill in our referral form.
Information for Volunteers
There are several fantastic benefits to becoming a volunteer with Befriend a Child such as:
Access to training and upskilling opportunities
The chance to play an active role in shaping the future of a child or young person
The opportunity to build transferable skills for your future and career
The chance to expand your horizons and try new activities
Being part of an amazing volunteer community
We are always appealing for kind, caring and reliable people to bring positivity, and new experiences to a young person’s life. All we need is a few hours of your time twice a month for a minimum commitment of a year after training.
If you are interested in volunteering with us please email volunteer@befriendachild.org.uk or call 01224 210060 to speak to a member of our team!
More InformationAge Groups
Children (0-18)Themes
Care Experienced People, Drugs/Alcohol, Learning Disabilities, Lone Parent Families, Mental Health, Children and Young PeopleRegions
Country: Scotland
Scottish Regions: Grampian
Other Information
Type of Befriending: Face to face befriending which takes place in the home or community
Who can refer: Professional Referrals Accepted