This is a volunteer role quite like no other!
We are looking for awesome individuals or couples who would like to support a local family and act as a "Grand-friend". We have a waiting list of families all over NZ who don't have grandparents living nearby or for whatever reason they don’t have the amount of contact with their own grandparents that they would like, and are looking for people like you to fill the void! The arrangement is incredibly beneficial - families gain loving support and you get to feel a sense of purpose and belonging from the relationship.
“The beauty of what we do is that each relationship that we match evolves in its own way; we merely plant a seed and then the family and their grandfriends nurture it” says founder Jo Hayes. She goes on to explain that for some families it may be important to have someone to share outings with, while for others it may be sharing hobbies or attending school visits. You may love to share stories with young ones, while your "little grandies" can put their technology skills to good use to help the you stay more digitally connected. This truly is a case of you get out what you put in.
GrandFriends was born out of a desire to address loneliness in New Zealand and recognised that this loneliness is as real for under-supported parents as it is for older people. The organisation’s matching process builds loving support networks for families - the bonds that form then address issues of social isolation and loneliness.
We are looking for GrandFriends right across the region, so it does not matter where you are located.
You are welcome to apply as an individual - or if you wish to apply with your partner (husband/wife/significant other) as something that you can volunteer with together - that is also very much welcome and encouraged.
As long as you have some time on your hands and love in your heart - you have what our families are looking for. You will receive in return - the love, support and friendship from an awesome kiwi or expat family.
A Police background check is required for this role.
How often did you visit your Grandparents? This might be once a week, a couple of times a month perhaps - but it is something that will be decided with your family and evolve as time goes by. Regular contact is key however.
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.
Ref: 1875
Companionship
If you experience difficulty with this link you can use our application form
Dunedin