Befriending project

Every year, about 3,000 children arrive alone in the UK. These young people are unaccompanied and have been separated from family members. Life as a result can be very isolating. They often have no close adults or parental figures in their lives who can accompany them on their transition into adulthood.

This is particularly true for children and young people who have survived or witnessed torture. Despite their vulnerability, many do not receive adequate support from social services departments or voluntary organisations. Other young people, living with members of their extended family, may also miss out on a close relationship with an adult who has time for them.

In the case of the clients seen at the Medical Foundation, some as young as seven and aged up to 21, many may have witnessed the murder and scattering of family members, as well as being exposed to violence towards themselves or others close to them. They come from a wide range of countries, depending on the global political situation at any one time, including Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Congo, and Eastern Europe.

The MF introduced a Befriending Project in the hope of making a real difference in the lives of these children and young people. The project aims to help them develop a sense of belonging, find normalcy and combat feelings of isolation. Having an involved relationship with a caring adult can be of enormous benefit to these young people.

Befrienders provide companionship, emotional support and practical advice and guidance. They are asked to make a minimum one-year commitment to the relationship. However, in our experience, many relationships last much longer.

Befrienders require some understanding of the situation of children in exile in the UK. They may be refugees who share the child's culture, religion and language. They may be from a neighbouring country, or they may be from one of the host communities in the UK.

Befrienders must be willing to learn about a child or young person's culture or community. All befrienders need to be able to communicate in English in order to help the young people with their lives in the UK. Establishing a relationship of trust requires a regular time commitment and can be based around shared activities such as meals and outings.

Befrienders are carefully selected, trained and supported throughout the relationship. This begins with an information session during which volunteers are introduced to the project. A face to face interview later takes place. Written references and police checks are also required. A comprehensive training programme then prepares befrienders for this important and rewarding role.

To find out more about becoming a befriender, please contact:
Rona Weitz
Befriending Project,
Children & Family Team (check)
Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture
111 Isledon Road
London, N7 7JW
0207 697 7777