PRESS RELEASE: New volunteers ready to support local children

Friends of the Family has trained five more volunteers to become befrienders to children from across the Winchester district who are in need of support and friendship. Abi Squires, Brian Dowling, Frances Baldwin, Debbie Morgan and Locket Ward all successfully completed the befriending course which was run over three days at the beginning of October. The volunteers will now be matched to a child, aged between 5 and 13, who they will visit once a week for a 12 month period.

Retired teacher, Frances Baldwin, said: “I like spending time with children and I’m looking forward to volunteering in Winchester. The training has been comprehensive and supportive, leaving me very enthusiastic about the befriending role.”

Friends of the Family Trustee, Marcia Cunningham, presented the volunteers with their certificates and said: “It is wonderful to have such fantastic volunteers. You make such a huge difference to children and families across Winchester who are in need of support and we couldn’t do it without you.”

Friends of the Family will be running its next free befriender training course in February. To find out more, email volunteer@fotfwinchester.org or call Lisa Travers, Volunteer Recruitment Co-ordinator on 01962 864466.

ENDS