For local people

Befriender for young person affected by Cystic Fibrosis

Volunteering opportunity with Butterfly Trust

Organisation
Butterfly Trust
Type
Befriending / Mentoring
Benefits
Children
Age
19 to 100
Expenses
Yes – All transport costs, mileage (40p/mile), materials for activities, refreshments.
Saltire Awards
Yes, this opportunity counts towards the Saltire Awards for volunteers aged 12 to 25
Taster
Yes – Induction is one day covering the condition, the befriending process and procedures, interpersonal skills, Trust procedures, child protection. One team day per year for ongoing training. Support from befriending co-ordinator member of Trust’s staff.
Reference
VO100155 · updated 10 July 2026

About this opportunity

Befriending is a fantastic and rewarding way to make a real difference to the life of someone else,
giving personal satisfaction and enhancing your own life experience. This role is supported by
Children in Need.
Their befrienders offer one to one support to a young person aged 8-18, affected by Cystic
Fibrosis. Young people living with this condition have a demanding daily treatment regime at
home and sometimes experience limitations that can affect their confidence and ability to cope
with the challenges of everyday living. They may also be socially isolated because of their
condition.
A befriender will meet with the young person every 1 to 2 weeks, to build a trusting one to one
relationship, for a year. This allows the young person time, space and a suitable environment to
explore their feelings, discuss their fears, develop life skills and grow in the areas where they may
be struggling.

When it takes place

MorningsAfternoonsEvenings
Monday✓✓✓
Tuesday✓✓✓
Wednesday✓✓✓
Thursday✓✓✓
Friday✓✓✓
Saturday✓✓✓
Sunday✓✓✓

What you need to know

Training

One day induction event usually via Zoom. Volunteer Handbook issued to provide information on the condition, the Trust and its procedures, interpersonal skills, introduction to some of the official systems. Support from member of the Trust staff.

Experience

Good listening skills, patience, reliability and an adaptable attitude.

Restrictions

Use of a car is essential

How to apply

Application Form; Induction/Training; Interview; PVG membership required; References

Travel

The young person will live within a reasonable distance of the befriender, who will take them in their car to
an activity or environment away from home to give the young person space to talk.

Interested in this opportunity?

Call us on 0800 389 6046, e-mail us, or send us your details below and we will make the introduction.

We need one or the other to get in touch.
It helps us suggest opportunities near you.
Optional. Anything the organisation should know, or a question for us.
Are you looking to improve your employability prospects by volunteering?

We use what you tell us only to put you in touch with the organisation and to help you find volunteering. Our privacy notice explains more.

Print this opportunity · All opportunities