For local people

Volunteer Buddy

Volunteering opportunity with Fife Gingerbread

Organisation
Fife Gingerbread
Type
Befriending / Mentoring
Benefits
Families
Age
18 to 100
Expenses
Yes – Mileage is paid 45p per mile and public transport expenses reimbursed.
Saltire Awards
Yes, this opportunity counts towards the Saltire Awards for volunteers aged 12 to 25
Taster
No taster session for this opportunity
Reference
VO95483 · updated 17 September 2026

About this opportunity

Would you like to make a difference to lone parents and families across Fife?

Fife Gingerbread is looking for compassionate, kind and understanding people who can spare a couple of hours each week to become a Volunteer Buddy. This role is ideal for people who can listen without judgement, build trusting relationships, and understand the challenges and complexities that poverty and lone parenthood can bring.

Volunteer Buddies help families build confidence and feel less isolated by offering emotional and practical support. This could involve being a listening ear, going for a walk, helping someone access local services, or supporting them to complete forms. Most importantly, buddies provide a safe, supportive presence where families feel heard, valued and understood.

When it takes place

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

What you need to know

Training

All volunteers receive training and support to help them feel confident in their role. Training includes an introduction to Fife Gingerbread, the rights, challenges and barriers facing families, child protection, unconscious bias, boundaries and lone working safety. Ongoing supervision, peer support and shadowing opportunities are also provided.

Experience

FG are looking for friendly, approachable people who are good at listening and have a non-judgmental attitude. An understanding of some of the challenges that families and lone parents face is beneficial but full training will be provided.

Restrictions
No restrictions were specified.
How to apply

Application Form; Induction/Training; Informal Chat; Interview; PVG membership required; References; Trial Period

Travel

Various Opportunities throughout Fife

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