Would you like to make a difference for children in Frome? Local family support charity, Purple Elephant, is seeking volunteer adults to join its Child Befriending Service.

The service, provided for children aged five to 12, supports youngsters with low and medium level emotional needs, mostly anxiety related. 

It brings a dedicated, listening-adult into their lives on a weekly basis, providing a guiding-friend who offers time just for them. 

Could that be you? Are you a caring, child-focused listener, as able to empathise as you are to play?

Whilst the Befriending service undoubtedly provides benefit to the emotional and mental well-being of its young users, senior family-worker and Befriending project manager, Sarah Hynds is clear to emphasise that this is not counselling or therapy and that volunteer adult befrienders' natural qualities are more important than previous experience or qualifications. 

Sarah explains: "You do not need a background working with children for this role as it is not therapy. It is time spent giving one-to-one attention. Professionals are welcome but maybe you're currently training in a caring profession or you're an excellent parent, aunt or uncle?

"A caring personality, empathy, a bit of humour and the ability to communicate sensitively with children is what really counts. 

"We have been running the service for three years now and the difference we have seen it make to young people is massive, so we'd encourage anyone who feels they could offer some time, to get in touch and discuss how we work and if this special, fulfilling role is for them."

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The charity says there are a "significant" number of children in Frome in need of this support.

However, Purple Elephant is currently only able to offer its tailored service to six children and has had to close its waiting list as the numbers grow, due to lack of volunteer Befrienders.

The organisation is keen to hear from those who feel this role might be their strength.

Volunteers, who will be supported by training, DBS application and appropriate line-manager supervision, are asked to get in touch via email  [email protected]