What is DGBP?

A local charity, set up in 1997. Funding has come from a variety of sources, including The Changing Childrens’ Services Fund, Community Regeneration Fund, Voluntary Sector Grant, Young Peoples’ Fund – Big Lottery, BBC Children in Need, D&G Health Board and Lloyds TSB.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective is to recruit, train and match adult volunteers with vulnerable young people as a means of making a positive difference in the young person’s life.

WHAT THE PROJECT OFFERS

The Project offers young people experiencing problems at home, school or in the community, the opportunity of extra support and regular positive adult attention. Having and working with a befriender can help the young person tackle difficulties before they get too big.

The young people benefit from the energy and enthusiasm of their befrienders and gain confidence from forming a positive relationship with a supportive adult.

Who are the young people?

They live within a 40-mile radius of Dumfries, in Newton Stewart and the Machars, or Stranraer and the Rhins.

They are aged 8 – 18 years.

They are referred to the Project by: Social Services, Education, Health, other agencies or by a friend/relative.

They may be experiencing problems at school, at home or in the community.

They may need a break from day-to-day pressures, someone to talk to, and the opportunity to undertake new experiences.

Who are the befrienders?

Responsible adults living within Dumfries & Galloway.

People from all walks of life with some time on their hands and an interest in young people.

Adults who would like to make a positive difference in someone’s life.

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Dumfries & Galloway Befriending Project

What do befrienders do?

Befrienders make a commitment to meet a young person once a week/10 days.

They offer a couple of hours in which to establish a beneficial relationship.

They provide opportunities to share enjoyable activities e.g. swimming, football, cinema, coffee and a chat.

What do befrienders get in return?

The challenge of getting to know the young person.

The reward of developing a relationship with them.

The opportunity to meet and share experiences with other volunteers.

All travel and out-of-pocket expenses.

How do I get involved as a befriender?

To become a befriender you must be:

  • Available for a minimum of six months;
  • Willing to spare a few hours per week/fortnight;
  • Able to supply two references;
  • Willing to give permission for a police check;
  • Able to attend a structured group training programme (2 hours x 6 sessions);
  • To attend basic first aid training.

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What happens next?

Careful individual matching of volunteer and young person.

An on-going review system.

Volunteers are offered regular on-going support and training opportunities.