Training Programmes

Background

The Shetland Befriending Scheme is dedicated to the training and support of its volunteers.  We believe that our training programme will help volunteers to understand the importance of the role that they will play.  It will also enable the volunteer to reflect on their own attitudes  as well as considering how they may react to issues that they may face as a volunteer.

Training modules

There are 2 training programmes operated by the Shetland Befriending Scheme. 

• Training Programme for 7 – 15 age group   tailored for those who wish to work with young people aged 7 – 15 year olds.
• Training Programme for 16 – 25 age group  devised for those who will work with the 16–25 age range.

Usually once a year we will have an advertising campaign to attract more volunteers for each of the age groups we support.  We then run group training sessions for the volunteers that take place in Lerwick.  As a new initiative, to ensure that everyone in Shetland has the opportunity to be a volunteer or to access the service we have devised a website training programme so that those who cannot take part in the group sessions can still become volunteers with our organisation.  Both  the 7 - 15 age group and the 16 - 25 age group run group training sessions but at the moment only the 16 - 25 age group has the option to undertake the website training modules.

When will I start the training?

The training, either the group sessions or the website modules, can only be undertaken once a volunteer has completed an application to join the scheme and has been interviewed and accepted onto the training programme.

Once this has happened we will either arrange for you to attend the group sessions if this is suitable for you or we can decide jointly when would be the best time for you to start the website modules if you wish to be a volunteer for the 16 - 25 age group.

There are 8 modules to be completed.

We estimate that each module should take approximately 2 – 2 ½ hours to complete.

What support will I get to complete the training?

We will be here to provide as much help as you feel you need. Following completion of each module we will ask you to send us the exercises you have done.  After every second module we will arrange a meeting with you to explore with you your views and thoughts on the issues you have covered. 

More information

If you would like to know more about the training please contact us.

Young persons 7 – 15 training – contact Lynn Dalziel on 01595 743907