Young Carers Services

Befriending

Befriending supports young carers who might otherwise be socially isolated, anxious or troubled about their own or their family’s situation.

Through regular meetings with a trained volunteer befriender the young carer can have quality time for themselves and talk openly about what concerns them. To find out more read our ‘Family’s Guide to Befriending’ below.

The benefits of befriending can be very significant, leading to increased self-esteem and self-confidence.

100%

Young carers felt relaxed with their befriender

67%

Young carers developed healthy coping skills
from befrienders

Fully trained Be Free Young Carers befrienders

100%

Young carers feel confident with their befrienders

“At first it was very hard for me to trust anyone, I only took this step to help my son who was struggling emotionally every day with his brothers and school. When he started with the befriender it was excellent. I felt like I got my son back, the happy one who enjoyed everything he did with his brother and your volunteer befriender did that, every time they meet up, he would come home saying it was the best day or I had so much fun.”

Mum of a young carer

Becoming a Befriender

For a young carer, befriending provides vital one to one support, positive social interaction, self esteem and reduces stress. Trained and supported volunteers are key to this valuable and rewarding service.

To find out more about Becoming a Befriender, please contact us to find out how to support us.

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Click here for our families guide to befriending

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