PRESS RELEASE: Free befriender training course in February

Friends of the Family is inviting local people to apply now for its next befriender training course, taking place in Winchester in February 2019. The free, two-day course, will enable participants to become a volunteer befriender with the charity’s 5s to 13s Befriending Service and offer support to a local child. The course aims to equip volunteers with the knowledge and skills needed to befriend a child. Once trained, volunteers are carefully matched to a child whom they visit once a week for a period of 12 months.

Befriending usually takes place after school and volunteers engage in a range of activities with the child such as taking them to the park or local library, playing games, doing arts and crafts, reading or helping with homework. In addition to free training, volunteers receive paid travel expenses, regular supervision and invitations to volunteer get-togethers.

Friends of the Family volunteer Debbie Morgan, said: “The friends of the family training was really helpful and gave me the confidence to know that I can help and support a child. There are times in life when we all need a friend and I am hoping that I can be that friend to help a child through a difficult time.”

Lisa Travers, Volunteer Recruitment Co-ordinator at Friends of the Family, said: If you enjoy spending time with children and you’d like to make a positive difference to a child’s life then please get in touch as we would love to hear from you.”

To apply for the next befriender training course, email volunteer@fotfwinchester.org or call Lisa Travers on 01962 864466. Go to www.fotfwinchester.org to find out more about Friends of the Family’s work supporting families going through difficult and challenging circumstances.

ENDS