Views

Find out what people say about their experience with Dumfries and Galloway Befriending Project. There are comments from the Young People Themselves as well as Befrienders and Referrers …

Remarks from Young People….

‘Having a befriender helped me because it got me out of the house and I could talk about things. When we went out it gave me a chance to have a break. You get to go out and have a bit of fun or you can go out and have a good old chat if you want, you can let out your anger, fear etc and know that what you say will not be whispered to anyone else.’

‘It’s fun to get a break from big brothers and sisters and gives you a chance to do things you’ve always wanted to do’.
‘Befriending has helped me in a lot of ways but the one that is most… is that I have become a lot more confident and happy.’

‘Befriending has helped me to get out of the house without getting bullied. Have been able to go lots of places and do
lots of things. I wouldn’t have been able to go on trips, or to the cinema, ballet and Shambellie workshops’.

‘Befrienders help you take your troubles to them to get them off your shoulders’.

‘My befriender was nice and not moody or bossy!’

‘I get on with M……… because she is cool’.

Question: ‘What is not so good about having a befriender? Answer: ‘Nowt’ (!)

 

Befrienders Views

One volunteer who has been with the Project for five years says …

’I started as a 19 year old with a social conscience. I’m still befriending but now pursuing a career in childcare. I just offer unconditional friendship – valuing the young person in spite of, but not encouraging, bad behaviour.’

Another one says…

‘Becoming a befriender has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. It has been challenging, fun and exciting. The more dedication you put into it the more you seem to get out of it. It was really great to get out and do some fun and exciting things e.g Quad biking. I remember us driving up and down muddy ditches getting messed up and having the time of our lives….I will never forget the look of happiness on my young person’s face. I have been a befriender for 2½ years and we have done an assortment of crazy things…we have crawled around in a muddy forest on a group activity for example. Other times we have simply taken my dog for hikes in Mabie Forest watching him chase the birds. One of our favourite and relaxing things would be to go and chill out at a local cafe and stuff our faces full of pancakes and ice cream, followed by the most amazing hot chocolate!’

One, whose objective was to put something back adds …

’Befriending has brought a whole new dimension into my life. It is great seeing the progress the young people make. I didn’t realise how much I would get out of it because of the physical enjoyment of the activities plus the mental stimulation, it is much more rewarding than I had anticipated’

 

Remarks from Referers….

‘K … is a lot happier and confident. She is more socially interactive and seems more content within herself’.
‘I was very impressed with the careful matching process which helped to make the whole experience for M…….. so positive’.

‘The Project offers an excellent service to young people in our community and relieves isolation’.

‘L… was ‘there’ for S….. during a difficult time in her life. This, I feel benefited S… and possibly her family at that time’.

‘J…..’s relationships with others have improved considerably as her self-esteem and confidence have increased. Previously she always seemed to see herself as a victim of society, now she has realised that she can make the difference’.

‘P…. has a much higher level of self-esteem and is better able to make important decisions about her life. She is better able to recognise her own qualities.’ I have been very impressed by the Befriending Project in all aspects. The organisers are very focussed and caring and the ‘befrienders’ are no less so. I would have no hesitation in recommending the Befriending Project to anyone in need of it – or to a person who was looking for something worthwhile to do with some free time’