WHO IS THE BEFRIENDING SERVICE APPROPRIATE FOR? THE SERVICE IS SUITABLE FOR DISABLED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WHO:
- Are aged 5 to 18 years old
- Can form an ongoing befriending relationship with a volunteer.
- Have behaviour which allows a volunteer to look after them safely 1:1.
- Need or would benefit from 1:1 support to achieve more independence from their primary carers and take part in social and leisure activities
- Have a parent or carer who would benefit from a short break.
- Would ideally like a volunteer for between 2-4 hours a week on a regular basis.
THE BEFRIENDERS ARE UNABLE TO:
Help with intimate personal care or frequent help with lifting and moving. If in the home parent/carer can.
- Help with medication or medical procedures from their volunteer.
- Have a home situation which would cause their volunteer to be unsafe when visiting (i.e. hygiene and basic safety standards within the home, risk to injury within the home etc.).
- Need a volunteer to stay after midnight.
- Are in crisis.
We are not able to place a volunteer with a child who has unpredictable or unmanageable behaviour which could place them self and others at risk.
There is no guarantee a suitable volunteer will be found and placed.