At Aberlour Children’s Charity, our dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in supporting and enriching the lives of the children, young people and families who need our help. In Falkirk, our Primary Years Outreach Service have witnessed first-hand the incredible impact volunteers have on the children they work with.
One of these remarkable Falkirk volunteers is David, who has gone above and beyond to make a positive difference. As a volunteer befriender, David is matched with a child to do fun activities together, work towards achieving goals and learn new skills. For a child, having a befriender like David can help them feel less isolated, boost their confidence and equip them to deal with life’s challenges. David’s journey exemplifies how anyone, regardless of prior experience, can bring joy, companionship, and new experiences into a child’s life.
Discovering a New Calling
David first heard about Aberlour when a friend suggested that he would make an excellent volunteer befriender. Although volunteering with children wasn’t something he had previously considered, it became evident that David had the personality, people skills, and life experience that would make him an exceptional volunteer.
Creating Lasting Memories
After being matched with Andrew (name changed), David wasted no time in making a positive impact. Every week, David had organised activities for them to do in the community. From playing football and bowling to cycling, table tennis, and exploring soft play areas, David always prioritised Andrew’s interests. He also helped to boost Andrew’s confidence and encouraged him to try new things.
As their relationship grew, David’s dedication and reliability became evident. He was not only a positive role model for Andrew, but also a good listener, and being there for Andrew when he needed him most.
A Positive Change for All
The feedback we received from Andrew speaks volumes about the difference David has had on his life.
“He is always really nice to me and treats me with a lot of respect.”
Andrew’s parents also expressed their gratitude to have David in their son’s life:
“Andrew loves his time with David and wants to see him all the time. I don’t know what we will do when David stops coming for him.”
The team at Aberlour Primary Years Service in Falkirk also recognised the special bond David and Andrew had:
“David and Andrew get on so well! David has made a massive positive impact on him and has introduced him to so many new experiences. David is very reliable and thoughtful of Andrew and his needs. Andrew has asked me how long he has left with David as he doesn’t want the visits to stop. A match made in heaven!”
Trying New Things
David’s influence extended beyond just creating fun memories. He played a pivotal role in encouraging Andrew to try new things, including putting himself forward to be the goalkeeper for his football team. By providing encouragement and support, David helped nurture Andrew’s confidence in himself and his skills so that he could explore new opportunities.
Join David and Make a Difference
David’s story demonstrates how volunteering with Aberlour can make a positive difference in a child’s life. His commitment, reliability and friendship have had a lasting impact on Andrew. If you have the desire to be a reliable, and fun presence in a child’s life, please consider becoming a volunteer befriender with Aberlour. We have many volunteering opportunities across Scotland. With flexible time commitments, we can find opportunities that work for you.
We are immensely grateful for volunteers like David who selflessly give their time, energy, and companionship to help children like Andrew. Join us in creating a brighter future for Scotland’s children.
To discover more about volunteering, please visit:
