At COVEY, our mission is to support children, young people and families to become more resilient, safe and better equipped to reach their full potential.

Our vision is for children, young people and families to live happy and fulfilled lives.

Group of adults smiling and posing for the camera during a trip to a museum, standing together in a well-lit space.
Group of adults and children smiling and posing for the camera during a trip to a fire station, standing together in a well-lit space in front of fire engine.
Group of adults smiling and dancing outside in the rain during a trip to Strathclyde Park
3 young people smiling and posing for the camera, holding ceramic pots with flowers they planted.
A small group of young people creating artwork together during an arts and craft session
A close up image of Valentines Day crafts created by young people.
Calderglen zoo SD and befriender.jpg
Group of adults smiling and posing for the camera during a volunteer event, sitting together in a well-lit space.
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Who We Are

COVEY (Community Volunteers Enabling You) is a lifeline for children, young people, and families across Lanarkshire.  Formed as a charity in 1992, we have provided one-to-one and group-based befriending, mentoring, and family support services tailored to those who need it the most.   Over the last 30 years we have supported over 5,000 children, young people and parents/carers across Lanarkshire. 

What We Do

Through befriending, mentoring and family support services, we give our children, young people and their families opportunities to lead more fulfilled lives. This support looks different for each person.

That’s why COVEY offer both one-to-one and group sessions, with activities and outcomes that respond to individual needs.

Our consistent relationship-based support, which is centred on the individual’s needs, interests and hopes, improves health and wellbeing, social connections, confidence and increases their engagement with education, training, volunteering or employment. We provide our support across different settings, from in school, to community venues and sometimes at home.  

Use the link below to find out more about our current projects and all the ways we work to improve the daily lives of children, young people and their families throughout Lanarkshire.

Our Impact

Watch our Impact Video to learn some of our key achievements across our Projects last year.

Our Volunteers

Our community of amazing volunteers empower us to continue on our mission and we are incredibly grateful for all their support and dedication. We provide training and ongoing support for our volunteers, as well as opportunities to come together and celebrate all that we’ve achieved together.

A close up image of a COVEY Volunteer, looking at the camera and wearing a COVEY branded hoody.

“For some of the young people, our groups are the only thing they do and I am just happy to play a part in making it happen.”

David (COVEY Volunteer for over 20 years)

image of a young COVEY volunteer, smiling at the camera on a beach.

“It is the best thing I've done and I enjoy it so much. I love the interactive and fun side of volunteering that COVEY gives me.”

Eilidh (COVEY Volunteer for over 10 years)

Last year, we proudly supported 371 children, young people and parent/carers across Lanarkshire. Through our befriending, mentoring and family support services, we helped them further develop skills, interests, confidence and friendships to improve wellbeing and work towards overcoming challenging circumstances in their lives.

Our Participants

Close up image of a young volunteer, smiling at the camera.

“Before COVEY, I was in a dark place, but what COVEY has done is just amazing. For me, it’s not just about the activities, you get to meet new people along the way. We’re all friends and that’s what I love.”

Sam (Young Person supported by COVEY)

Image of an adult who was supported by COVEY, holding a certificate, wearing a graduation gown and smiling to the camera.

“I chose to change my life and I am so full of gratitude every single day for the ways COVEY helped me. It’s been a journey. I feel like I wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t for COVEY.”

Lynn (Parent supported by COVEY)

Close up image of a young volunteer.

“Sometimes I used to find it hard to go up and talk to someone, but now I can go up and make friends. COVEY has helped me feel calmer because I can trust all the people around me.”

Cameron (Young Person supported by COVEY)

From the launch of our new Young Ambassadors Project, to group trips around our communities and volunteer parties, there’s always lots going on at COVEY! Visit our News Page for all the latest.

COVEY News!