voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
Befriender for young person affected by Cystic Fibrosis Volunteer Opportunity No. VO100155 - Created/last updated: 08/11/2024 | ![]() Opportunity |
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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Takes place: |
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Minimum age: | 19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maximum age: | 100 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Training provided: | 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Out of pocket expenses paid? | Yes - All transport costs, mileage (40p/mile), materials for activities, refreshments. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Experience required: | Good listening skills, patience, reliability and an adaptable attitude. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restrictions on who can volunteer | Use of a car is essential | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Application process: | Application Form; Induction/Training; Interview; PVG membership required; References | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taster available? | 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Travel Details | 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Saltire Award | This opportunity is compatible with the Saltire Awards for volunteers aged 12-25. |