D&G BEFRIENDING PROJECT - By far, the best thing about befriending is making a difference to a young person’s life
D&G BEFRIENDING PROJECT offers young people experiencing challenges at home, school or in the community, the opportunity of extra support and regular positive adult attention.
Having a befriender can help the young person tackle difficulties before they get too big, introduce them to new activities and help them be the best they can be. The young people benefit from the energy and enthusiasm of their befrienders and gain confidence from forming a positive relationship with a supportive adult.
Coordinators in Dumfries and Wigtownshire carefully match the young person with a volunteer and support the match by arranging regular and frequent progress meetings
Bethany
The reasons I love befriending? Volunteering with Dumfries and Galloway Befriending Project comes with so many benefits; not just for the young people we support but for volunteers too!
Volunteering has allowed me to make fantastic, life-long friends. I feel so included in something so amazing. It has also allowed me to try new things- zip lining and mud sliding to name a few!
But by far, the best thing about befriending is making a difference to a young person’s life.
Reflecting back to my first match, I suppose in the beginning both myself and the young person were a bit anxious. It was all new and exciting! I spent an hour or so each week with her, going on outings and trying new things. We soon got to know each other so well that she felt she could talk to me. I was able to support her by building her self-esteem and confidence and helping to develop her social skills. We met 1-1 as well as with other befrienders and young people. I saw her grow from a quiet, withdrawn young person into such an outgoing, confident young girl.
To be a part of something like this – wow, that is the best feeling! It’s why I have continued to volunteer. I have went on to have four more matches since then. In the process, I have learnt so much about myself. I see befriending as my hobby and something I love doing. I would recommend anyone considering a volunteering role to choose befriending. It’s enhanced my life! I love it so much.
By: D&G BEFRIENDING PROJECT
If you're inspired and would like to get involved please visit:
Get Involved - D&G Befriending Project
