Befriending volunteers needed by local children’s charity

FROME-BASED Purple Elephant, the people behind the Toy Library and Children’s Festival, urgently need new volunteers for their Befriending Service. 

The service supports children aged between 5 and 12 years old with weekly chat and games with an experienced volunteer.  Contact sessions are run in local schools or a safe public place and allow children some focused time with a trusted adult, talking through their worries or just playing games.   

Purple Elephant director Sue Willis said, “Our Befriending service has been slowly growing since it started in 2020 and we’ve now supported 13 children, helping them to become more settled and resilient.  

“We currently have a waiting list and are expecting several more referrals, as youth mental health has become even more of an issue since the start of the Covid pandemic.  

“We’re urgently looking for new volunteers with experience of working with children and who can spare the time to support children in need. The role is really rewarding as the relationship with the child develops and the Befriender sees the child blossom and overcome their challenges. We’re extremely grateful to all our existing volunteers and would love to welcome more into the role.”  

Purple Elephant are looking for volunteers with recent experience of working with children, such as retired teachers, nursery staff and social workers, or part time teaching assistants. Ideally volunteers will have a current DBS clearance and recent safeguarding training but these can be organised by Purple Elephant if necessary. 

If you fit the bill and are interested, please contact Sue on suewillis@                purpleelephant.org.uk.