THE Clackmannanshire Befriending Project (CBP) has been celebrating its achievements to mark National Befriending Week as it runs throughout November 1-7.

CBP is a volunteering programme, set up by the UK wide charity Volunteering Matters in 2018, to support isolated and disadvantaged young people from the Wee County.

Adult volunteers from the group dedicate hours of their time to befriending youngsters between the ages of eight and 18.

Stephanie Fyvie, a manager at Volunteering Matters, said: "National Befriending Week is an ideal opportunity for us to celebrate and thank our volunteers for the huge contribution they make supporting isolated or disadvantaged children and young people throughout Clacks.

"We have dozens of volunteers dedicating two to three hours of their time fortnightly and the young people benefit so much from having a positive and reliable role model."

National Befriending Week is an annual event held during the first week in November where befriending programmes across the UK celebrate their impact and thank volunteers for all that they do.

The results of befriending can be significant. It often provides people with a new direction in life, and opens up a range of activities and leads to increased self-esteem and self-confidence.

Keen to highlight the benefits of befriending, 22-year-old volunteer Ellen added: "I have seen such a positive change in my young person since I have been her befriender.

"She has better social and communication skills, is a lot more confident and chatty and she has said it has helped her build relationships at school and her running club.

"Befriending has had a big impact on me too, it has given me a sense of purpose and pride, because I feel like I am doing something worthwhile for someone else."

For more information on the CBP, or to register an interest in volunteering, contact Stephanie Fyvie on 01259 928 088.

Alternatively, visit tinyurl.com/hs2cs7h