North Jutland children wait for volunteer adult friends

Some 117 children in North Jutland are waiting for an adult friend, according to DR. The organisation Børns Voksenvenner is seeking more volunteers to help meet the demand.

Many children could benefit from companionship for activities such as going to the playground, baking a cake or watching films on the sofa.

Christina Touborg Martensen’s son is among those on the waiting list. She is a single mother, and her small family is spread across the world, leaving no other adult who can provide him with company and closeness.

She hopes he will be matched with an adult he can confide in and share things with that he might not necessarily discuss with his mother, while also gaining different perspectives on the world.

“I would like it eventually to be someone who comes to his confirmation and other important events and becomes part of the family,” she said.

Børns Voksenvenner has already received more applications from potential adult friends in 2026 than it did in 2025.

“That is very positive, but the need for adult friends is very great, and we still need more volunteers,” said Anne Lippert, a communications consultant at the organisation.

An adult friend can be highly significant for a child, but the relationship is often rewarding for the volunteer as well.

“Some friendships last three to five years, but we also see friendships that become lifelong,” said Tina Mogensen, a friendship coordinator at Børns Voksenvenner in North Jutland.

North Jutland is the part of the country where the greatest number of children are waiting for an additional adult in their lives.