Befriending Service for Young People

East Dunbartonshire Council is looking for people to help make a positive difference in a young person's life by volunteering as a Befriender.
Since 1998 the Befriending Service has helped numerous young people across East Dunbartonshire but more are needed to help some of the area's most vulnerable young people develop into confident and happy young adults.
The Young Persons Befriending Scheme provides a befriending service for young people aged between eight and 16 years in East Dunbartonshire. 
A befriender is a volunteer who spends time with young people who are having difficulties in their lives and need a little extra help. They socialise with a young person, giving them some time out from the stresses and strains of their everyday lives.
Volunteers befriend young people on a one-to one basis and go with them on social outings, for a bite to eat, to do sports or even just a walk and a chat once every few weeks. The aim is to increase the confidence and self-esteem of the young person and to be someone they can trust.

The volunteers will need to attend training once a week for eight weeks and need to provide two references, a report from their GP, join the PVG scheme and provide information for a background report. After the training, volunteers are asked to commit to a year with the young person they are matched with. During that time, they will receive expenses for travel, food and the activities they do with the young person.

If you are aged over 18 and would like to find out more about Befriending, please call the Service on 0300 123 4510 or 07901510105.