Befriend a Child, an Aberdeen-based charity, supports children and young people growing up in difficult life circumstances across the city and shire.
As 2026 begins, the charity is encouraging local people to make a positive difference by volunteering as a befriender.
For 50 years, Befriend a Child has worked across the region to ensure children have the opportunity to experience a happy childhood and build the confidence and skills they need to thrive. Through its 1:1 befriending programme, the charity matches trained volunteers with children and young people who would benefit from having a consistent, supportive adult in their life.
The befriending programme supports children aged 5 to 16 years old who may be experiencing challenges such as low self-esteem, social isolation, parental mental health difficulties, disability within the family, or the impact of abuse or neglect. Volunteer befrienders are carefully matched with a child based on shared interests and commit to spending around 2-3 hours together twice a month, taking part in simple activities such as going for walks, playing games, visiting parks or trying new hobbies.
As the new year begins, the charity is encouraging people to turn their 2026 goals into meaningful action by giving their time to help transform a child or young person’s life. With demand for the service continuing to grow, more volunteers are urgently needed to reduce waiting lists for children hoping to be matched with a befriender.
Nicola Milne, Befriending Manager at Befriend a Child, said: “Befriending can have a truly life-changing impact. For a child, it can mean having someone who listens, encourages them and shows they are valued. For volunteers, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. As we look ahead to 2026, we would love to welcome new befrienders who would like to help a young person build confidence, resilience and hope for the future.”
Befriend a Child is looking for volunteers who are reliable, patient, non-judgemental and able to commit to befriending for at least one year. No formal qualifications are required, just a willingness to listen, encourage and spend time with a young person who needs positive support. Each volunteer receives full training, PVG checks and ongoing support from the charity’s experienced team to ensure both the child and volunteer feel safe, confident and supported.
Leo, a past befriendee, shared his experiences of being part of the charity’s befriending programme: “Growing up, when I lacked the family and emotional support I needed, Befriend a Child was always there to step in. The activities I took part in with my Befriender helped me develop the social skills and confidence that have been crucial for my success in life. I never felt judged by my Befriender and always knew I could rely on them for the support I needed.”
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer befriender and making 2026 a year of lasting impact is encouraged to contact Befriend a Child at volunteer@befriendachild.org.uk or visit their website to find out more - https://www.befriendachild.org.uk/how-we-help/befriending/