OUR SERVICES

  • Parent befriending
  • Child/adolescent befriending & mentoring

Parent befriending

Family Friends' volunteers offer a listening ear and time to learn about the problems and experiences of a family. Through respect, encouragement and support, they aim to help families discover their strengths, build confidence and resolve difficulties. As well as providing much needed emotional support, they help our families on a practical level too. A volunteer may introduce a parent to community resources, find out about relevant social benefits, visit the local park with them or give support around parenting. They do not offer home-help or baby-sitting services.

WHAT PARENTS SAY:

"Margaret is better than Prozac."

"I find it difficult to trust people, but I have been able to open up to Mark. He really understands me."

"Carole does things that a mother would do."

"Diane is such a good listener and she helps me remember how much I have, rather than what I am missing."

"I'm now excited about the future and have stopped thinking about the past so much."

"Susan brings a smile to all our faces."

"My volunteer is very helpful - she is very very supportive with whatever I need help with."

"Very active, a very kind person. She helps a lot."

Child/adolescent befriending & mentoring

Family Friends trains volunteers to become mentors and befrienders to children and teenagers. For two hours each week, children may do activities with their volunteer such as playing games and sport, art projects, reading, visiting parks, libraries and museums, doing homework or just having a chat.

We make a real effort to match each child/teenager with the right volunteer and children have an equal voice in deciding how they wish to spend time with their friend.

WHAT CHILDREN SAY:

"It's great to talk about what I need to"

"I love playing football, flying a kite and making rockets"

"We like going out to the library with Donna, having dinner and a good chat!"

"Ivan makes us feel more confident and happy, and he is brilliant with homework"

"I love going to all the museums with Sheneede, particularly the V&A"