Unit 2 Befriending Services

Unit 2 Befriending Services

Stirling

How to Contact Us

40 Lomond Crescent
Cornton
Stirling
FK9 5DN
Tel: 01786 461334
Fax: 01786 451771
e-mail: unit2@aberlour.org.uk

Unit 2 provides a befriending service to young people who may be experiencing a range of difficulties in their lives. The aim being to enhance the young person’s life by supporting and promoting their welfare, personal development and capacity for self determination. Referrals are from statutory and non-statutory agencies.

Volunteer Opportunity

Can you be a friend to the children and young people we support? If so we need you for laughter, commitment, caring, sharing and adventure!

Unit 2 Befriending Service is based in Cornton, Stirling and supports children and young people throughout Stirlingshire.  We befriend young people aged between 8-16 years old who may be going through a difficult period in their lives and we would like YOU to join our expanding befriending team as a volunteer.  

Befriending is a relationship between a volunteer and a young person, which is initiated, supported and monitored by the befriending staff team. The aim of the service is to enhance the quality of a young person’s life by supporting and promoting their welfare and personal development through the involvement in shared activities, i.e. 1:1 befriending, paired or group activities, with a volunteer befriender.

To be a befriender you will need:

  • To be over 18 years of age
  • A genuine interest in the well-being of children and young people
  • A few hours to spare each week
  • Reliability and discretion

You will receive:

  • Free informal training
  • Ongoing support
  • Out-of-pocket expenses

Interested?

 

Claire is 14 and lives with her grandparents and uncle. She is in contact with her mum and half-sister but they are not close. She was verbally and physically abused when living at home and no rules to follow.
 
When Claire first came to Unit 2 she was being disruptive in class at school and struggling with her work. She was isolated and school and was easily influenced by the bad behaviour of others.
 
Claire was placed with a befriender and was someone she could talk to about anything. They spent time together and did things that made Claire more confident and developed her social skills. Her relationships with adults improved and she stopped being disruptive at school. She got involved in new activities and began to trust adults again after her past traumas.
 
Claire said:
 
“I like spending time with my befriender as they help me to be good and have fun with other kids my age. I don't feel as different from the other children now. School is much more fun and I don't get into as much trouble any more. I have made a new friend and we have fun playing together.”