Big Buddy Volunteer
Family Friends carefully recruits, trains and matches volunteers with families. Volunteers offer long-term practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential.
Our Big Buddies support young people, in the boroughs of Brent, Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham, aged 10-18 for a few hours weekly or fortnightly over a period of 3, 6 or 12 months.
With encouragement and support, volunteers will aim to help young people to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties. Young people have an equal voice in deciding how they wish to spend their time. The volunteer relationship will look like:
- To visit a young person with whom you have been matched, building a relationship of friendship and trust
- To support the young person to get out and about in their community or pursue specific activities
- To complete a feedback form after each visit and to participate in regular supervision with your Coordinator
In addition, you will be: Trying fun activities together, such as sport or trips to a museum. Help with homework or projects, help with college or job applications or encouragement to try new things.
Essential Criteria:
- Level of commitment mentioned above
- 18+
- Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years
What we provide in return:
- Full induction training and ongoing training
- Weekly supervision and support
- The chance to learn new skills
- References provided after 6 months' commitment
- Reimbursement of travel and session expenses
We are an equal opportunities charity and we value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and would like to encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.
You may register your interest using the email address provided. You can also directly submit an application form online.