About FUN’s volunteering programme

Friends United Network (FUN) is a charity supporting children in London by providing a reliable and trustworthy adult volunteer for each child. FUN volunteers spend a few hours each week with the child they support doing simple activities like playing football, going to the park, visiting a museum or just having a chat in a café. Through these activities volunteers build a one-to-one relationship with the child and help them to build self-confidence and esteem.

I like having Paul as my friend…when things aren’t going right in my life, it’s good to have him to talk about solutions and things.
Jerome, 12 years old

The difference this experience has made has been incalculable! I’m constantly learning and feeling very lucky and privileged to know my ‘little friend’ and to be associated with FUN.
Susie, FUN Volunteer

FUN was set up in 1983 and has helped hundreds of children and young people through the difficult transitions of childhood and adolescence. Many of the friendships continue to this day. In 2007 FUN received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of the quality of the programme and the enormous contribution of FUN volunteers.

How we work

FUN is different from many other mentoring projects in that we are committed to supporting children over the long-term. FUN volunteers agree to befriend a child for a minimum period of 2 years, meeting the child weekly for three to four hours. Our approach is based on the belief that each child is unique and that secure relationships lay the foundation for emotional well-being. The emphasis is therefore on the gradual development of a real friendship between the young person and the adult, but one that is closely supported and supervised by FUN staff.

Training is given to prepare volunteers for their role and an emphasis is given to the need to listen to children, to accept them and to allow them space to 'be'. After the initial training weekend, all volunteers will be assigned a FUN caseworker who they will remain in regular contact with during their time as a volunteer. FUN also provides on-going training for volunteers and organises several group outings for children, families and volunteers each year.