Argyll celebrates three decades of Befrienders
A VOLUNTARY organisation offering support for vulnerable children and families is celebrating its 30th birthday.
The Stag Hotel in Lochgilphead is where it all began, back in 1988. Frustrated by the lack of support options for children and families in Mid Argyll, a dedicated group of professionals and volunteers decided to set up their own organisation – and Befrienders for Argyll and Bute children was born.
Cathi Bertin, a member of the Children’s Panel in the 1980s, has been involved from the outset.
Cathi recalled: ‘Myself and other Argyll members of the panel had to travel to Glasgow for training. We looked at other parts of the country and saw that they had far more options for supporting families and children.
‘So we decided we needed these services closer to home. We met in the Stag in 1988, and from that meeting set about getting organisations to talk to us.’
The group was successful in securing council funding, and Befrienders was off and running.
‘We had phenomenal interest when we advertised the co-ordinator post,’ explained Cathi, now director of Befrienders.
‘The successful candidate was Sheila Campbell, who stayed in the role for around two decades. In fact, we have had just two co-ordinators in 30 years.’
Cathi outlined the way Befrienders works. ‘Befriending is, quite simply, a positive way for volunteer adults to support children in their own communities,’ she explained.
‘The many benefits of befriending include raised self-esteem and self-confidence. Most importantly, as our many volunteer befrienders in Argyll will tell you, befriending is fun.
‘Befrienders is about encouraging and supporting friendships between the volunteer and child or young person.
‘The trust between the volunteer and the child or young person is the key and can help the child or young person gain in confidence and have a more positive self-image.’
But the organisation would not work without volunteers. ‘We are always looking for more people to help as voluntary befrienders,’ said Cathi. They are fully supported, and we work very closely with social work, healthcare providers and other voluntary groups.’
To celebrate the pearl anniversary of Befrienders in Argyll, an event will be held in the Three Villages Hall, Arrochar, on Saturday May 12, at which the speaker will be former Children and Young People’s Commissioner Tam Baillie.
There is sure to be plenty of reminiscing at the event, which will be held between 10.30am and 3pm, but this is about looking to the future with confidence and optimism.
If you would like to come along to Arrochar on May 12, contact Cathi Bertin in advance on cathibertin@ btconnect.com or call 01546 603144.