Nurturing Children and Families

 

Befriend a Child

For over 30 years, Befriend A Child has been helping to relieve the suffering and distress of vulnerable children in Aberdeen.

Befriend A Child recruits caring adults to befriend and support individual children aged between 5-12, based in Aberdeen on a 1:1 basis. These volunteers help to promote the children’s welfare and advance their education. Many of the children referred to the organisation are amongst the most vulnerable, deprived and needy within the community.

Befrienders introduce the children to new activities and interests. Experience shows that children can gain confidence and self esteem by enjoying a trusting relationship with a caring adult; this is valuable aid to the child’s social and educational development which in turn can help them mature into a responsible adult.

 

“"In 2006, Befriend A Child were one of only 16 Scottish organisations to receive the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. Without the financial support of the Scottish Community Foundation this would not have been possible."
Karen Farquhar
Chief Executive Officer


How your donation could help:

  • £500 could cover the costs of materials to put on a weekend of arts and crafts sessions
  • £100 could allow us to develop our range of DVDs available for the children to watch in the comfort of the Base Unit
  • £50 could pay for three fortnightly outings for one of our supported children – this could be swimming and a meal; a cinema trip or a visit to a local museum
  • £25 could allow us to provide two of our befriended children with a birthday present, which in many cases will be the only gift they receive

 

PROJECT EXAMPLE

Members of the RBS Caledonian Challenge Events team recently visited one of the many projects that has been supported by the funds raised from the RBS Caledonian Challenge.  Read all about it here  Gorgie/Dalry Toy Library.

Take a look at more great projects funded by the Scottish Community Foundation involving children and families.  The Grants distributed to these projects have effectively made a difference to the lives of less fortunate people the length and breadth of the country.