Aberlour Befrienders

Are you interested in making a positive impact on someone's life? Have you ever considered becoming a Befriender? 

What is a Befriender?

Befriending is a voluntary role where you offer companionship and support to someone who may be lonely or isolated. It is a simple yet powerful way to make a difference to someone's life. A Befriender is someone who offers friendship, emotional support, and a listening ear to those who need it most.

The different types of befriending at Aberlour

Our volunteers fall into two categories; Young People Befrienders and Perinatal Befrienders who support new and expectant mothers.

Befriending Young People

Young People Befrienders spend time with a child, sharing a hobby or activity on a regular basis. We pride ourselves on our child-centred focus and a strong commitment to the individual development of each child emotionally, socially, physically and intellectually. Aberlour Befrienders work with whole families as well as children on their own.

Perinatal Befriender

Expectant and new mums can experience perinatal mental health issues and feelings of isolation. Accessing activities in the community, going for a walk, or talking over a cuppa are some of the ways in which a Befriender can make a real difference for parents and their babies.

The personalised volunteering experience

At Aberlour we offer training and support to volunteers who want to become Befrienders. The training for becoming a Befriender typically involves learning about the role and responsibilities of a Befriender, communication and listening skills, and understanding the importance of boundaries and confidentiality. You may also receive training on specific issues such as perinatal and mental health or disability. 

What will you gain from being a Befriender with Aberlour?

Firstly, you get the opportunity to make a real difference in someone's life. Befriending can be incredibly rewarding as you get to see the positive impact you are making on someone's wellbeing.

Secondly, being a Befriender can be a great way to develop new skills, such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving. You also get the chance to meet new people and make new friends. In addition to the personal benefits, there are also many societal benefits to becoming a Befriender. Loneliness and social isolation are major public health concerns, and by becoming a Befriender, you are helping to tackle these issues. Befriending can also help to reduce the burden on healthcare services by providing social support to those who may be at risk of developing physical and mental health problems. 

As a Befriender volunteer, you will receive high-quality training, including Child Protection and/or Perinatal Mental Health.

Sign-up to be an Aberlour Befriender today!

Being a Befriender is a great way to make a positive difference to someone's life. It's a simple yet powerful way to provide social support to those who need it most. If you want to become a Befriender, please complete our online form today.

Interested in volunteering with Aberlour in other ways? We have a range of volunteering opportunities available all over Scotland. Find out what roles we are currently advertising for.