Volunteering Matters

EVERYONE IN THE UK SHOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE.
So we bring people together to overcome some of society’s most complex issues through the power of volunteering.

We partner with communities to overcome adversity, tackling social isolation and loneliness, improving health, developing skills and opportunity and making sure young people can lead change. And because we’re a national charity, we do this at scale, sharing our expertise and building partnerships to make an even bigger impact.

Our befriending service in North Lanarkshire offers support to isolated young people, and young people identified as Young Carers aged 8-18. Volunteers provide 1:1 support with children and young people, meeting them once a week or fortnight. This could be after school, in the evening or at weekends, depending on volunteer availability. The role is to build a relationship with your young person and be a positive role model.

These activities are seen as a “timeout” for young people who often live in challenging circumstances. These young people often benefit from an adult befriender who they can talk to and trust, as well as providing them with a reason to get out of the house. The project helps young people with their social skills, self-esteem, school attendance/ performance, resilience, personal safety/ health and relationships.