One-to-One Befriending
Children and young people are referred to our One-to-One Befriending Service because they face challenges in life or might be lonely. Our referral form can be accessed below. Children are matched with a volunteer befriender who shares the same interest as them and will listen to their problems.
“Everyone needs other people, but not everyone has someone. For people who become isolated because of ill health, disability or social disadvantage, being matched with a befriender often fills a big gap” Befriending Networks Scotland (Website, 01, 06, 18)
Our Aims
Our main aim is to support children and young people to be less isolated, feel included and involved in decisions being made about them, learn to make good choices, and form and sustain, trusting and appropriate relationships. Befrienders are supported and encouraged to work alongside the young person they are matched with, offering choices and exploring interests. Children benefit from our consistent and nurturing environment where everyone is valued and respected.
How we Work
Our befriending children learn through play, activities and meeting others, in a safe, friendly environment. We very much encourage getting involved with other groups and services. Some of our children have been referred to The Wave Project and Fife Young Carer’s. We take advantage of the range of activities we have in our local community; beaches, parks, golf, tennis, St. Andrews Aquarium, Craigtoun and The Botanics. When we’re not out and about exploring the community, we can be found having fun with; arts & crafts, baking, cooking, dough modelling, making slime, playing the Wii, or just hanging out together in Rose Lane.
In our 2021 survey 84% of befriending children have told us they have... "made friends"
Most of our volunteer befrienders are from the University of St Andrews. All of our activities are also child-led and popular befriending activities include baking, arts and crafts, local places of interest, and physical activities such as tennis and footballSome of our student volunteers introduce the children to hobbies and interests of their own, giving an insight which might not otherwise have been explored. Our volunteers benefit, enjoy and learn from their time with the young people, as much as the children do in return.
