Gravity Red Inspires

Befriending & Therapeutic Care

Befriending

Befriending is similar to buddying, where we link children and young people with volunteers so they can meet up regularly doing something that interests them. 

Befriending is all about building a friendship with someone you can trust to spend time with you or take you out somewhere fun, giving you the independence and opportunities to do activities you like. Befrienders meet their Befriendees as often as weekly or fortnightly and plan an activity that they share or enjoy such as:

• Going to the cinema

• Cooking

• Swimming

• Going out for food

• Playing and watching sports

• Arts and crafts

• Shopping

• Playing video games and board games

We are dedicated to making sure that each child and young person we link is paired with the best volunteer for them. We spend time learning about you, or your child, to understand what's important to you, what would work best for you and who to pair you with.

All volunteers are subject to our safer recruitment processes which require them to submit two references, complete an enhanced DBS check, as well as undertake an interview and induction training.

Criteria 

Befriending is suitable for a child or young person with a disability who:

• Are aged 0-18 years old and living in North East Lincolnshire. 

• Are able to form an ongoing befriending relationship with a befriender.

• Have behavior which allows a volunteer to look after them safely 1:1.  We are not able to place a volunteer with a child who has unpredictable or unmanageable behavior which could place themselves and others at risk in a 1:1 situation with a volunteer.

• 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 on a regular basis such as weekly or fortnightly.

There is a limit to the level of support they can provide so this service is not suitable for anyone who:

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• Have a home situation which would cause their befriender to be unsafe when visiting (i.e. other persons within the home, hygiene and basic safety standards within the home).

• Need a befriender to stay after midnight.

• Are in crisis. There is no guarantee a suitable befriender will be found and placed.

If you are unsure if the child or young person is eligible, or would like to discuss their individual circumstances, please call us for a chat on 07463616500

Apply 

Please email gravityredinspires.comand one of our co-ordinators will get back to you to explain the process and answer any questions you may have.

• Would ideally like a befriender for between 2-4 hours on a regular basis such as weekly or fortnightly.

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