The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) is pleased to announce that Dumfries and Galloway Befriending Project (DGBP) will be our charity partner for the upcoming ASSC Regional Gathering in Dumfries on the 18th March 2026.
As part of our commitment to responsible tourism and supporting the communities in which our members operate, each of our regional events partners with a local charity. This provides an opportunity to raise awareness of important community initiatives and encourages our members, guests and partners to offer their support.
For our Dumfries event, we are proud to be working with an organisation that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across the region.
About Dumfries and Galloway Befriending Project
Dumfries and Galloway Befriending Project is a unique charity that provides adult volunteer “befrienders” to support young people aged 8–18 who may be facing challenges in their lives.
The project carefully matches a young person with a trained adult volunteer who provides two hours of one-to-one support each week, typically over a period of 12–18 months. This support helps young people build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop positive relationships at a crucial stage in their development.
Young people may be referred to the project for a range of reasons including mental health challenges, social isolation, low confidence, bereavement, trauma, bullying, neglect or poverty.
Through regular meetings, young people are able to spend time with a supportive adult outside their immediate family environment. Activities might include countryside walks, cycling, cooking, board games, arts and crafts, or participating in group activities that help build confidence, communication and social skills.
These relationships help ensure young people know they have trusted support available to them, reducing isolation and helping them navigate challenges more positively.
How You Can Support
Representatives from Dumfries and Galloway Befriending Project will be joining us at the event and would welcome support from members, partners and other attendees.
Donations
Financial contributions help the charity continue delivering vital one-to-one support for young people across Dumfries and Galloway.
You can donate online here:https://www.befriending.org/donate/
If donating online, please reference “ASSC” so the charity can track support linked to the event. There will also be the opportunity to donate in person at the event.
Volunteer Befrienders
The charity is also keen to speak with people interested in becoming volunteer befrienders. This rewarding role offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference in a young person’s life through regular support and encouragement.
Representatives from the charity will be available at the event to discuss volunteering opportunities and answer any questions.
Find Out More
To learn more about Dumfries and Galloway Befriending Project and their work, please visit:https://www.befriending.org/
Through initiatives like this, the ASSC aims to ensure that tourism continues to deliver positive benefits for local communities, supporting organisations that play an important role in strengthening the places where our members live and work.