Space for Youth Befriending is launching a new appeal for volunteers to support disadvantaged young people across Edinburgh. Space @ The Broomhouse Hub is expanding their youth befriending service across the city and calling for volunteer befrienders to help children and young people aged 5 to 16.
The befriending service has been operating in Broomhouse and the South West for over 10 years. It is totally unique and helps children to build their confidence and self-esteem. The charity is seeking volunteers over 18 who can be a positive role model, are adaptable and able to lend a supportive ear. Full training is provided by Space for Youth Befriending staff with all befrienders receiving ongoing support from a dedicated Project Worker.
Nicola Campbell, Youth Befriending Services Manager, said:
“Over the past decade we have helped hundreds of children and young people increase their confidence, engage in school and build positive relationships with others.
“Our service provides two hours of support a week where the children and young people get the opportunity to explore new places and engage in a variety of fun activities.
“In the last year many young people engaging in the service have shown improvements in their emotional health, education and engaging in their local community.”
Following investment by the Scottish Government Drug and Alcohol Fund, and The Scotch Whisky Action Fund the charity is now rolling out the project across Edinburgh.
Nicola added:
“If you have a few hours a week to spare to help a young person realise their potential then we would love to hear from you. Our volunteers come from many different walks of life and bring with them a variety of knowledge and skills.
“Befriending is a very rewarding experience for both the volunteer and young person.”
Douglas Meikle, Head of Alcohol Policy at the Scotch Whisky Association said: “The Scotch Whisky Action Fund is pleased to be supporting Youth Befriending at Space and the important work that they are doing to tackle the impacts of alcohol harm. The combined funding, alongside an increased drive for volunteers, will help ensure that the Befriending project and its lasting impact in communities can be felt across the city.”
For more information on Befriending, please see our page here or email youthbefriending@spacescot.org
What Befriending Means To Me
Many of our befrienders have done so for a long period, finding their time spent with the young people immensely rewarding. Here, Fiona Yeats, one of those longstanding volunteers, tells us what befriending means to her…
I have been befriending with Space for over 10 years now which is hard to believe as that is the age my current befriendee is this week!
So, what has it meant to me? Nearly always a positive experience. It is fun to get to do a whole range of activities I would not normally do – trampolining; pantomimes; skateboard parks; free cinema; cartwheels on the beach and so on.
More importantly, it can be hugely rewarding to get that beaming smile and burst of laughter when you just connect. I have seen confidence grow as we share positive experiences over the simplest of things. For example, playing I spy. Something beginning G…so me, “grass, grid”, girl…“no I gave up”. Me, “Good!”
One befriendee initially took to lying on the pavement to get attention. He quickly realised “this is not going to work, is it?” From then on it was fun all the way (mostly).
I think the important qualities are to listen (with eyes and ears), be consistent; reliable; and share the activities you do together. Keep a diary/photobook and really importantly, connect with the parent. Foster a positive relationship with the parents and you can continue to build a strong link with the befriendee as they understand the benefit you are delivering for the family.
It’s not always plain sailing, but pushing through the not so good times are part of life and getting to a positive (as possible) outcome is worth it.
Befriending is hugely rewarding. Seeing self-esteem grow and getting that daffodil picked just for being you, really warms the heart.
Fiona Yeats