Glossary of terms

Approved Provider Standard

The person who is befriended.

“A befriender is a trained volunteer who offers their friendship, within agreed limits or boundaries, to someone who is isolated or lonely.”  BHL Volunteer Befriender Training – Volunteering to befriend (BNS distance learning pack)

“Befriending is a relationship between a volunteer and a recipient which is initiated, supported and monitored by a voluntary or statutory agency.”  (Befriending Network Scotland)

The person who is mentored.

A person who supports someone through a difficult time in their life.

"Mentoring is a one-to-one, non-judgemental relationship in which an individual voluntarily gives time to support and encourage another. This is typically developed at a time of transition in the mentee's life, and lasts for a significant and sustained period of time." (Active Community Unit, Home Office)

Mentoring and Befriending Foundation

"Enabling younger students to fulfil their true potential, by listening, talking and supporting them"
Definition of peer mentoring written by students taking part in a pilot programme.