‘We’ve created lasting memories’

NAME: Ara Munn AGE: 21 matched with a young person, you arrange to spend a couple of hours together each week with them to build a positive relationship and do fun things. This gives the opportunity for the young person to feel supported, have someone to talk to and get to do things they may not have the opportunity to do without a befriender.

The Young Person’s Befriending Service benefits the young person, but it also benefits me as the befriender.

Not only am I gaining valuable volunteering experience, which will help me in my field of study and future work, I am also enhancing my personal skills such as communication, initiative and creativity. However the best bit for me is having fun with a young person who engages in the best way, we laugh, talk and create long lasting memories.

The last six months have passed so quickly, we’ve enjoyed different activities such as cinema trips, ice skating, crazy golf and trampolining.

I have an allocated support worker, who I meet with regularly. We are able to sort through any challenges and he provides positive feedback about the benefits for the young person.

We are also able to stay focused on identified goals and aims and he provides great discounts and sometimes free tickets for activities throughout Glasgow and beyond.

I thoroughly enjoy being a young person’s befriender and highly recommend it as a rewarding opportunity.

It can make a huge difference to the young person’s confidence, resilience and self-esteem but it also benefits me in that I am gaining valuable experience in an area in which hope to make a career.

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