Volunteer Befriender

Be Free Young Carers are looking for positive volunteers who can provide regular support to young carers through our Befriending Service. These young people {between 8-17 years old} care for family members who have a long term illness or disability. Young carers often describe their lives as isolated, with few or no friends, and high levels of anxiety and stress as they cope with their caring responsibilities. They urgently need friendly, patient and caring befrienders to provide relaxed and informal support. 

Making a difference to the life of a young carer is incredibly rewarding! You will have the opportunity to use your experience and knowledge to benefit a vulnerable young person. You will learn transferable skills for the workplace, gain experience in working with young people in a supportive role and receive specialised training and support from our specialist staff. Although mostly a one to one activity, you will become part of our befriending community, meeting like-minded people and taking part in group events. Get out and about, try new activities, learn new skills and make the most of your free time!

Our young carers all currently live in Vale of the White Horse, South Oxfordshire and Oxford city.

All Befrienders are required to provide two references, allow us to carry out an enhanced DBS check and complete our training and induction protocols. 

There is no financial cost involved in becoming or being a Befriender. All reasonable expenses, such as travel and activity costs for both the Befriender and the young carer, are covered. There is a maximum budget that is permitted to be spent each meeting, this does not include the Befriender’s travel expenses. 

Be Free Young Carers also have other volunteering opportunities available throughout the year.