Buddy Programme

The Buddy Programme contributes to the emotional and social wellbeing of children by matching them with carefully selected and trained adult volunteers in a well-supported mentoring relationship.

The Aims

Increase children's self esteem.
Develop social skills and help children make positive choices.
Provide opportunities for new social experiences and different activities.
Friendship, support, guidance and encouragement.
Fun and happiness.

Big Buddies Are

Adults who are there to listen, support and encourage their Little Buddy.
Someone children can hang out and have fun with once a week for 2-3 hours.
Adults aged 18 years and over.
Adults from varied backgrounds and life experiences.
Adult role models who can provide a healthy adult/child relationship.

Little Buddies Are

Children aged between 4 and 12 years at the time of referral.
Children whose life circumstances indicate the need for additional adult support.
Children who need extra help coping with or fitting into their home, school or community.
Referred from a variety of sources, such as social workers, public health nurses, teachers, psychologists and by their own family.

To become a Little Buddy, sign up on our Referral Form

Referral Form

Buddy Training

Prospective Big Buddies attend an initial training course which includes communication skills, how to build a friendship with a child and family dynamics.
Acceptance into the Buddy Programme at the end of the training depends on the outcome of various checks, references, a home visit and an interview.
Once approved, Big Buddies will be matched with a Little Buddy.
On-going training and supervision are provided.

The Buddy Programme runs in three locations across Southland-Invercargill, Whakatipu and Gore.

To find out more or to become a Big Buddy, contact our team.