INtegr8 is the Youth Action Project’s Befriending Service for 10 – 21-year-olds.

 

We aim to reach some of West Lothian’s most vulnerable young people, specifically those who are isolated and experiencing issues impacting their mental health/well-being. Young people may have things going on in their lives such as peer or family difficulties, being bullied, feeling alone, or experiencing stress or anxiety. Our objectives for young people are:

 

• To reduce social isolation

• To increase levels of confidence & self-esteem

• To engage young people in sustainable community activities

• To improve communication skills

• To help young people cope better emotionally

 

 

Befriending is support offered to young people on a one-to-one basis. It is carried out by trained and vetted volunteers who meet with their young people either weekly or fortnightly for around 2-3 hours per session. During that time they take part in social & recreational activities together. Young people can discuss any aspect of their lives with their befriender if they want to. INtegr8 offers a confidential service.

 

Referral Criteria:

 

• Young person aged 10 – 21

• Living in West Lothian

• Experiencing issues affecting mental health/well-being

• Isolated/not involved in any social or recreational activities

 

Due to high demand on our service, and delivery dependent upon availability of trained volunteers and capacity to support them, the Befriending Service is unable to accept and progress referrals on a responsive basis. A waiting list is in operation, which is usually long. Befrienders normally support one young person at a time for a period of around 1 year. At capacity, the befriending team consists of approximately twenty volunteers.

 

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Please access the befriending service information leaflet here:

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​To enquire about support or how to become a volunteer befriender, please contact:

 

Angie Gourdie,

INtegr8 Co-ordinator 01506 431430

angie@wlyap.org.uk

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Testimonials:

 

“I got involved mainly to get my head cleared and to have time away from my family which was stressful for me at the time. I’ve been let down before, but my befriender is easy to talk to and reliable. She is able to get through to me and understands.”

Befriendee (young person)

 

“This volunteering role has definitely been a meaningful use of my time. It’s helped to build up my skills and confidence. I feel it’s a great service, very professional and organised. I feel supported within the role and am glad I have been able to give something back to the community.”

Befriender (volunteer)

 

“Befriending makes a difference as it means he has someone to confide in and that he can build a relationship with outside the house. He is getting exactly what he needs out of the service.”

Parent/Carer

 

“The young people are at the heart of the service, and they are listened to.”

Referrer

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INtegr8 Befriending Service – Privacy Statement

 

The INtegr8 Befriending Service, part of West Lothian Youth Action Project (WLYAP), is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information safely.

 

We follow the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

 

What information we collect

We collect only the information we need to provide safe and effective support.
This may include:

• your name and contact details

• emergency contact information

• information you share with us during support

• relevant health or wellbeing information

• safeguarding or safety information

 For volunteers, we also collect information needed for recruitment and PVG membership.

 

Why we collect it

We use your information to:

• provide befriending support

• keep you safe

• contact you about sessions

• meet legal and safeguarding responsibilities

• improve our service

 We never sell your information or use it for marketing.

 

How we keep your information safe

Your information is stored securely on password‑protected systems or in locked cabinets.
Only staff who need the information can access it.

 

When we share information

We only share information when:

• it is needed to keep someone safe

• the law requires it

• we are working with another agency involved in your support

• a funder requires anonymised data

 We always share the minimum necessary.

 

Your rights

You can ask us:

• what information we hold about you

• to correct anything that is wrong

• to delete information (where legally possible)

• how your information is being used

 Requests can be made to the Project Director (Data Protection Officer).

 

Contact us

Project Director (Data Protection Officer)
West Lothian Youth Action Project
Tel: 01506 431430
Email: office@wlyap.org.uk

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You can also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for independent advice.

 

A full version of our Data Protection & UK GDPR Policy is available on request.