How it all Started…

Alice Campbell - One of the Founders of the D&G Befriending Project

This Timeline was provided by Alice Campbell.

Early 1990′s – Concern for Vulnerable Young People

In the early 1990’s two members of the Children’s Panel became concerned by the lack of resources for vulnerable young people in Dumfries and Galloway, and decided to initiate a Befriending Project. With encouragement from members of the Social Work Department and the Holywood Trust, a Management Committee was formed to establish the Project and seek funding.

1997 – Project Launched

In 1997, the committee was successful in gaining charitable status and in their application for funding from BBC Children in Need. The Project was offered office premises by the Holywood Trust in Dumfries.  A Project Coordinator and Administrative Assistant were appointed and the Project was launched in September 1997. The first volunteer befrienders were then trained and matched with young people by December of that year.

2000 – Management Committee Runs Operations

Initially the management agency was Community Service Volunteers (CSV) whose experience and expertise was instrumental in establishing the policies and procedures and laying a firm foundation for the development of the Project. On 1st September 2000 the management committee assumed direct operational control.

The initial Project worked within a 30-mile radius from Dumfries and gradually increased the geographic area and number of volunteers and staff.

Over the years Funding has been received from a large number of sources besides BBC Children in Need, with the Local Authority providing significant support for the Project.

2008 – New Office in Newton Stewart

As the reputation and recognition of the work of the Project grew so did the demand for its services, to the extent that in June 2008 the Management Committee achieved the aim of opening the Newton Stewart office.

2010 – Volunteer Coordinator Appointed in Stranraer

Less than 2 years later, in February 2010, the Management Committee appointed a Volunteer Coordinator  based in Stranraer in fulfillment of the plan to provide a region-wide service.