Press release: Local children need volunteer befrienders

 In Media

Young children in the Winchester area urgently need volunteer befrienders who can spare two hours a week to offer them support and friendship. The children, who are aged between 5 and 13, are going through difficult periods in their lives and could benefit from positive role models to help them through it.

Following a two-day training course, befrienders are carefully matched to a child whom they visit once a week for two hours. They undertake a range of enjoyable activities with the child such as going to local parks, the library or museums, reading, playing games and doing arts and crafts.

Befrienders are trained and supervised by Friends of the Family, a local charity which has been helping children and families in Winchester for over 20 years. In addition to free training, Friends of the Family offers volunteers regular supervision, paid travel expenses and invitations to get-togethers where volunteers can share experiences and offer each other support and advice.

“A befriender can have a huge impact on the lives of the children and families they support,” said Sam Hunt, 5s to 13s Befriending Manager. “Our next training course takes place in October and we’d love to hear from local people who would like to take part and volunteer for this rewarding role.”

To find out more or to sign up for the next training course please contact Lisa Travers, Volunteer Co-ordinator, at Friends of the Family, email lisa@fotfwinchester.org or call 01962 864466.

ENDS

Released 24th August 2017