Anglicare’s Friends Volunteer Program provides an opportunity for people, like Ben who have a busy work life, to provide support for foster children in a flexible way that fits in with their other life commitments.
Ben has been involved in the Friends Program for about five years providing babysitting and mentoring during that time.
Volunteer roles within the Friends Program can vary depending on what support a friend feels they can offer. Roles can include being a buddy or mentor like Ben, providing tutoring, babysitting, transportation or teaching independent living skills.
Ben initially started volunteering for four hours a month but more recently has been volunteering for closer to 10 hours per month. Volunteers are able to nominate their availability and the amount of time they are willing to commit to ensure it fits in with their work/study or family commitments.
Ben was prompted to become a Volunteer Friend by his desire to help out. He has found the experience to be a rewarding one. “It’s been really rewarding to see the growth in the children I support. Because I’m not there all the time, small changes are quite noticeable.”
Ben has found the response from both the children he supports and their foster carers to be incredibly positive. “Ryan* looks forward to hanging out with me and playing football. I love seeing him get better at it and enjoy it more.” Sarah*, Ryan’s foster carer, appreciates the role Ben plays in Ryan’s life and is “happy to be given a hand” through the program.
Ben encourages those considering becoming a Volunteer Friend to give it a go “it’s a good thing to do!”
* Not their real names.
