PRESS RELEASE: Apply now for Befriender training course

 In Media

Friends of the Family is inviting applications for its next volunteer befriender training course which will take place in Winchester in the spring. The course is free and will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to become a befriender to a child aged between 5 and 13.

Delivered over two days, the course covers all aspects of the befriending role including communication skills, boundaries, befriending activities and issues facing children today. Following training, volunteers are carefully matched to a child from the local area who is in need of support and friendship.

Applicants must be over the age of 23 and be able to visit a child once a week, either after school or at the weekend, for a minimum of 12 months. Volunteers receive regular supervision, invitations to volunteer get-togethers and on-going training opportunities. Friends of the Family also organises termly workshops for children and volunteers as well as an annual activity day which volunteers can also attend.

5s to 13s Befriending Manager, Sam Hunt, said: “Our current volunteers enjoy a huge range of activities with their focus child, including baking, reading, playing board games, picnics, dog-walking and bike rides. We would love to hear from anyone from across the Winchester district who can spare two hours a week to offer support and friendship to a child. We particularly welcome applications from parents with older children, grandparents and those with experience of working with children.”

To find out more about volunteering with Friends of the Family or to apply for the next befriender training course, email volunteer@fotfwinchester.org or call Lisa Travers on 01962 864466.

ENDS