WOULD you like to make a difference for children in Frome? Local family support charity, Purple Elephant, is seeking volunteer adults to join its child-befriending service.
The service, provided for children aged 5 to 12 years old, supports youngsters with low and medium level emotional needs, mostly anxiety-related. It brings a dedicated, listening adult into their lives on a weekly basis, providing a guiding friend who offers time just for them.
“Could that be you? Are you a caring, child-focused listener, as able to empathise as you are to play?” said Sarah Hynds, senior family worker and befriending project manager.
“Whilst the befriending service undoubtedly provides benefit to the emotional and mental well-being of its young users, we are clear to emphasise that this is not counselling or therapy and that volunteer adult befrienders’ natural qualities are more important than previous experience or qualifications.
“You do not need a background working with children for this role, as it is not therapy. It is time spent giving one-to-one attention. Professionals are welcome but maybe you’re currently training in a caring profession or you’re an excellent parent, aunt or uncle?
“A caring personality, empathy, a bit of humour and the ability to communicate sensitively with children are what really counts. We have been running the service for three years now and the difference we have seen it make to young people is massive, so we’d encourage anyone who feels they could offer some time, to get in touch and discuss how we work and if this special, fulfilling role is for them.”
One of Purple Elephant’s current befriending volunteers, Martha, gives an insight into her experience and said, “My meetings with H are one of the highlights of my week. Sometimes we’re dealing with some pretty big feelings or topics; other times we just have a gossip. Sometimes, I wonder who’s benefitting more from our meetings, as I definitely get a boost from seeing them.
“I leave feeling I’ve done something useful with an hour and it’s great to know that this might make a real difference to a young person’s mental health.
“There are a significant number of children in Frome in need of this support and Purple Elephant is able to offer this remarkable, tailored service thanks to various grants and funding, but is currently only catering for six children and has had to close its waiting list as the numbers grow due to a lack of volunteer befrienders.”
The organisation is keen to hear from those who feel this role might be their strength. Volunteers, who will be supported by training, DBS application and appropriate line-manager supervision, are asked to get in touch via email info@purple elephant.org.uk
