When you think of corporate social responsibility, images of office workers completing one-off feats of endurance spring to mind.
Whether it is a marathon, sponsored cycle or even a hill walk, members of staff, with the support of the company they work for, are testing their stamina all in the name of charity.
However, for one Aberdeen-based marketing co-ordinator, corporate social responsibility has taken on a completely different meaning after recently becoming a volunteer befriender for north-east charity Befriend a Child.
Alison Williamson, of Hunting Energy Services, first heard about the work of the charity after its recent promotional visit to the company’s Portlethen premises. Befriend a Child prides itself on recruiting adults to befriend and support individual children, aged between four and 16 throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire; something that instantly struck a chord with the 25-year-old.
Alison said: “Having heard about all the great work Befriend a Child does to assist some of the most vulnerable and deprived youngsters within local communities, I felt like I could make a difference by pledging my support. This is something that Hunting wholeheartedly backed me in doing as they are always encouraging us to give something back to the community.
“I was informally interviewed to assess why I had chosen the charity and discuss what sort of experience and activities I could offer to a child. When I was notified I was a successful candidate, I was thrilled – being given the opportunity to potentially make a real difference to a child’s life is a great feeling.”
Befrienders introduce children to new activities and interests which were previously unavailable to them, helping them gain confidence and self-esteem by enjoying a trusting relationship with a caring adult. This relationship is a valuable aid to the child’s social and educational development, which in turn can help them mature into a responsible adult.
Alison added: “You are matched with a child who has similar interests and hobbies to yourself – I enjoy sport, arts, crafting and the outdoors – so I’m excited about going out on day trips and generally having a fun time with them.
“Befriend a Child has been fantastic throughout the entire process, with a volunteer co-ordinator allocated to you whom you can contact at any time. Their constant support and stream of communications regarding day trip inspiration and special offers stand me in good stead to make a real difference within my community.”
Alison has completed the charity’s training requirements and will spend approximately two hours each fortnight befriending over the next year; a support that is gratefully appreciated by all involved with the charity.
Jean Gordon, senior volunteer co-ordinator at Befriend a Child, said: “Without our volunteers, we simply would not be able to run our service and support the vulnerable local youngsters who really need our help.
“To have the opportunity to visit local businesses and explain to work forces more about who we are and what we do, like we did with Hunting, is vital if we are to continue to recruit the numbers of volunteers required to ensure we can keep turning frowns upside-down for more than 200 children and young people each year.”