Short Breaks for Children & Young People with Disabilities - Volunteering Opportunities

What is shared care befriending?
We identify volunteers who provide friendship and support to a child or young person with a disability on a regular and planned basis. This is usually activity based, such as swimming, bowling or eating out, depending on the interests of the young person and the befriender.

Sibling support befriending
We have a scheme to provide befriending services to siblings of children and young people with disabilities.

Why is befriending required?
Children and young people with disabilities require someone outwith the family to share their concerns with and talk about their own individual needs

What will we ask from you?
We ask befrienders to commit to a minimum of two hours per fortnight, although this is negotiable. Once you have been approved as a befriender, we will ask you to remain with the scheme for at least a year.

You should be at least 18 years of age but no qualifications are required.

We assess everyone who applies to work with children and this includes:

• Individual interviews; and
• Statutory checks including health, police and with our department.

What are the benefits to you?
We will provide ongoing support from a linkworker and training.