As Befriending Week celebrates the power of friendship, Aberdeen-based charity Befriend a Child is saying a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer befriender who gives their time, care and commitment to supporting local children and young people.
Every month, volunteer befrienders give a few hours of their time to build trusted friendships with children who may be experiencing difficult circumstances, including social isolation, low confidence, abuse or neglect. Through shared experiences, new adventures and someone to talk to, these relationships can help children develop confidence, learn new skills and create positive memories.
Throughout 2025–26, 175 children were befriended through Befriend a Child, highlighting both the importance of these relationships and the continued need for more volunteers to help reach children waiting for support.
To celebrate the incredible people behind these friendships, the charity is using Befriending Week to shine a spotlight on its volunteer befrienders, including couple Darren and Debbie Ross, who have combined their passion for volunteering with an outstanding commitment to fundraising.
Going the extra mile for local children
Darren and Debbie had discussed becoming befrienders for several years before deciding that autumn 2025 was the right time. Since being matched with a young boy, they have enjoyed a wide range of outings together, from exploring Dunnottar Castle and enjoying ice cream in Stonehaven to visiting Pittodrie and travelling on the heritage train in Keith.
For the couple, one of the most rewarding aspects of befriending has been seeing their young person grow in confidence and become more comfortable opening up about his life.
“Since we started befriending, both Debbie and I have not only rediscovered how to have fun, but we also go places and do things we wouldn’t do without a child in tow!”
He added: “I’d like to think he gets something from us spending time with him, and we both look forward to our time with him as he does with us.”
But Darren and Debbie’s dedication extends beyond their befriending relationship. Keen to support even more local children, Darren has taken on a series of cycling challenges throughout 2026, including the Etape Loch Ness, Bealach na Bà Sportive, Midsummer Beer Happening in Stonehaven, Ride the North and Tour o the Borders. Debbie has also challenged herself by taking part in a Firewalk and has signed up for the 2027 Kiltwalk in support of Befriend a Child. Together, they have raised over £1,400.
Their fundraising efforts demonstrate how the generosity of volunteers can have a wider impact, helping Befriend a Child support more children and young people across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire who need a trusted friend and positive experiences.
Thank you to every volunteer who makes a difference
Befriend a Child is using Befriending Week to recognise every volunteer who helps make these meaningful connections possible. Whether they are spending time exploring the outdoors, enjoying a shared hobby, trying something new or simply offering a listening ear, befrienders play a vital role in helping children feel valued, supported and understood.
The charity is also encouraging more people to consider becoming a volunteer befriender. With demand for support continuing, recruiting new volunteers is essential to helping more children experience the benefits of a consistent, trusted friendship.
Befriend a Child is inviting anyone interested in volunteering to get in touch with the team at volunteer@befriendachild.org.uk to find out how they can help turn frowns upside down.