Bfriend is a small independent charity based in South Ayrshire, and since 1996 has been providing a befriending service for young people with social or emotional difficulties living within South Ayrshire.

A little about the Project: Our young people are referred mainly by Social Work and Education and often have very limited adult support at home with few opportunities for social engagement or friendships. Many live with social, emotional, and behavioural support needs and face real challenges in day-to-day life.

The main aim of befriending is to reduce the social isolation of the young people, increase their confidence and self-esteem, and to ensure they are included and feel valued. Young people are matched with an adult befriender with whom they will meet with every two weeks for a few of hours. Together they will choose activities such as going to the cinema, café, the beach, or local activity centres. They may also choose to attend Project group outings together. Bfriend aims to ensure every young person feels included and involved in the activities they are participating in. We try to create fond memories, help, encourage and support young people during their time with us.

In February, the charity is hosting an event to raise awareness about the project. As part of this event and to help raise funds for Bfriend we are having a raffle. The charity can only operate through funding, and all monies raised through our event and raffle will help pay for outings for young people and their befriender.

Some of the prizes donated include....

Family ticket (two adults and two children) at LA Bowl Ayr

Voucher for a one hour art lesson for Young Person under 16

Voucher for four match day tickets for an Ayr United league game

Voucher for Four tickets for a stadium tour at Celtic Park, Glasgow

Voucher for one ticket for the Central Station Tour Glasgow

Voucher for 2 adults 3 children for Edinburgh Zoo or The Highland Wildlife Park

Voucher for a pet portrait photography session (in South Ayrshire)

Voucher for 1 adult 2 children for The Heads of Ayr Farm Park

Selection of children’s books

Voucher for two for Flip Out, Glasgow

Voucher for a family of four for The Alpacas of Scotland, Hannahstone Farm

Voucher for Four tickets for a stadium tour at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow

plus various other exciting prizes.

Tickets cost £2 per strip and can be bought by donation through this page. PLEASE FORWARD YOUR EMAIL RECEIPT AS PROOF OF PURCHASE TO info@bfriend.org.uk AND WE WILL ENTER YOU INTO THE DRAW WITH THE RELEVANT NUMBER OF TICKETS PURCHASED. This will also allow us to contact you after the event. The draw will take place on the 20th February and winners notified then.

If you donate anonymously please contact us on info@bfriend.org.uk so we can add your name to the raffle!

We would really appreciate any help you can give us, as ever penny raised will be used to make a difference to a young person’s life in South Ayrshire!

We are recruiting volunteers now. Contact us today to start your befriending journey. Email info@bfriend.org.uk for more details or visit our website at:

https://www.bfriend.org.uk/be-involved/volunteer-befrienders