13. Be a Buddy

Many schools and colleges have schemes where you can be a buddy or mentor to newcomers – new year sevens at secondary school or Freshers at university

Some will find it easier to become a buddy by offering practical help – for example, helping younger pupils with their reading at school or by getting shopping for an elderly person on your street

You will be surprised that there is a national Mentoring and Befriending Foundation with an extensive website where you can look at all kinds of schemes in operation across the country – mostly for over 18s

Have a look at this website - try not to be put off by a rather formal approach!

Oakley Contact: Can you be one of the Oakley contacts for this page and share your experience with others?