Find out about befriending at Open Day in Edinburgh

Organisations and individuals working with young people in North and West Edinburgh are invited to CHILDREN 1ST bfriends Open Day this Friday (12 October) .

The Open Day is being held at the bfriends base at the Prentice Centre at 1, Granton Mains Avenue, Edinburgh EH4 4GA from 12 noon until 2pm.

Bfriends volunteers provide friendship and support for children and young people who are experiencing difficulties at home, at school or in the community. The aim is to help build young people’s self-confidence and self-esteem, and to open up opportunities for personal and social development.

Project development worker Paul Burke said: “CHILDREN 1ST reopened its bfriends base in North Edinburgh recently and we are keen to raise our profile with local agencies and let  people  know more about the service, volunteers and the young people we work with.

“Our volunteer befrienders are trained and supported to work with children and young people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives or whose support networks have been eroded because of changes in their family. Young people need to have someone they can count on when they are having a hard time – but sometimes there is noone for them to talk to.

“Volunteers are matched on a one-to-one basis with children and young people Together, they can try out new experiences designed to broaden the young person’s horizons. As they get to know each other and develop a good relationship, the child or young person can have fun and have a break from their everyday lives.

Referrals are accepted from children and young people aged five to 14, who experience difficulties at home, at school, or in the community, including those living in designated areas of disadvantage, from black and ethnic minorities and children referred through pupil support groups.

For more information go to www.children1st.org.uk/18/our-services and www.bfriends.org.uk.