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Our Volunteers
Volunteer befrienders are rather special people. Not because they have any particular sort of job or education or come from any particular ethnic background. They are special because they choose to make a commitment to a child for at least two years. They must also be aged 21 and at a stable point in their lives.
A volunteer can never replace a parent, though parents and volunteers often become friends, and parent and child must both accept the volunteer for the relationship to work. What volunteers can do is be there for a child 3-4 hours once a week - to listen, share their interests and perhaps open their eyes to some new ones. This needn't be expensive - in fact we actively discourage volunteers from spending money on costly gifts and treats.
What can volunteers expect from FUN?
Volunteers can expect on-going regular one-to-one support, supervision and monitoring from their caseworker for as long as their matches last. We are, of course, very much aware of our responsibilities to both volunteers and parents.
All volunteers undergo an intensive selection and screening procedure which includes two in-depth interviews both at FUN and in the volunteer's home, police checks, references, initial and on-going training.
Stages in becoming a FUN volunteerSent information pack, inc. application form
Return Application Form: If we decide it is appropriate to proceed then you are invited to interview
1st Interview (1½-2 hours long) : Examines applicant’s past history, attitudes, work record and relationships
Asked to fill out Probationary Volunteer Agreement Form
Police Check: Partners and others living with applicant are also police checked
References: Detailed questions asked on form and phone call to at least one reference
6 Mandatory training sessions:
(1) Befriending: The Role and its Boundaries
(2) Listening and Communication Skills
(3) Child Protection Training
(4) What Befriending Means to Families
(5) Matching, Meeting and Moving Forward
(6) Health and Safety
2nd Interview in Volunteer’s Home: Meet partners and flatmates
MEET PARENT PRIOR TO BEING MATCHED WITH A CHILD
What do volunteers get out of befriending?
In their 2002 evaluation volunteers were overwhelmingly positive about what they get out of long term befriending for FUN:
- 100% said that it had been a rewarding experience
- 83% said that they had learnt new skills
- 80% said that they now had a better understanding of themselves.
Download our volunteers information pack.
