INTEGR8 BEFRIENDING - Volunteering builds up my experience and confidence

INtegr8 is the Youth Action Project’s Befriending Service for 10 – 21 year olds. We aim to reach some of West Lothian’s most vulnerable young people, specifically those who are isolated and experiencing issues around their mental health/well-being. Young people may have things going on in their lives such as peer or family difficulties, being bullied, feeling alone, or experiencing stress or anxiety.

 

Nicole

My name is Nicole and I am a volunteer befriender with INtegr8 at The Youth Action Project.

I decided to start befriending to build up my experience and confidence and to help make a difference in a young person’s life. It’s a great way to get involved in the community and give something back. 

The process of getting started with the service is well organised and thought out. The service provides the appropriate training, child protection etc and regular meetings and check ins with the befriending co-ordinator. Once this is completed the matching process begins, ensuring the right befriendee gets matched with the right befriender and vice versa, which the befriending co-ordinator does very well. 

There are lots of fun things to do with your young person once you get matched up e.g, bowling, mini golf, cinema etc. This is a great way to get young people out into the community and help to build up their confidence.  Of course, it is great fun for the befriender too.

Befriending is still new to me but my current experience of getting started and matched up with my first young person is really exciting and brings joy and fulfilment knowing that I am giving my time to someone in the community who may need it.

 

By: INtegr8

If you're inspired and would like to get involved please visit: 

West Lothian Youth Action Intergr8 Befriending (wlyap.org.uk)