Volunteer Recruitment
Fife Mental Health Befriending Projects
Current Volunteering Opportunities
* Adolescent Project: We are currently recruiting volunteer befrienders in North East Fife, Levenmouth, and Central Fife ** Training coming up in July **. Minimum commitment 2hrs per fortnight *
*Adult Project: We are currently recruiting volunteer befrienders in North East Fife and Levenmouth. Minimum commitment 2hrs per fortnight *
*We welcome any interest in joining the Management Committee. If you have any fundraising experience that would be particularly beneficial
For any of the opportunities please contact us using the online form on the 'Contact Us' page.
What does a volunteer befriender do?
Befriending involves being matched with someone, getting to know them and agreeing a regular pattern of contact and support. Meetings take place out in the community on a one-to-one basis for around 2 hours per fortnight. It may involve supporting someone to attend a social or leisure activity or any other reasonable activity that the person may find difficult to do on their own.
What does the training involve?
Volunteers receive initial training, usually two 2 hours sessions plus some short e-learning modules. This covers confidentiality, boundaries, an overview of mental health issues and the befriending process. Training content will be specific to which age group you are befriending.
We ensure that volunteers understand LINK's policies and procedures, equal opportunities, racial equality and awareness, and we provide an opportunity for potential volunteers to meet with established ones, for a question and answer session.
All volunteers must join the PVG scheme to allow them to work with a vulnerable Adult or Young Person. This is free to join for volunteers. If you are already a current PVG scheme member then an update will be required.
Volunteers receive regular support and supervision with the Project Worker and also have the opportunity to access further training and attend social events with the project.
The Project welcomes volunteers from all walks of life and sections of the community.
Some words from a volunteer befriender:
“I am so grateful to have had this opportunity as it is one of the best things I have done. I appreciate LINK so much for the rewarding experience it has given me and the opportunities that volunteering with LINK has opened up for me. The amount of effort that is put into providing support for young people is truly amazing and invaluable”
And from a befriendee:
“Before the befriending service I was anxious and rarely left the house. Since meeting with my befriender I have become a better version of me. It’s been such a journey, the best part was knowing you have people you can depend on.”
