1:1 Activity Buddy

The Central Otago Friendship Network (COFN) recognises the importance of providing quality services that enrich people’s lives through friendships, which are in line with their chosen dreams and goals. COFN supports individuals to find their own social communities or friendship circle, and expand their contribution to communities of their choice. COFN is committed to providing an environment that is conducive to allowing dignity of risk when trying new activities and making friends.

Their 1:1 Friendship Service supports individuals to connect with a like minded community volunteer who shares similar interests for a 1:1 friendship. This free and confidential service is designed to give people more social contact with a special volunteer to spend quality time with on a regular basis. This service is available across Central Otago including Roxburgh, the Maniototo, Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell. You would be matched with a friend in your preferred location.

Your friend could be of any age from young adults through to 65+ and may include those experiencing disability or age-related conditions that make it harder for them to access social connection opportunities in the community.

As a buddy, you would:

• Arrange regular times to catch up with your 1:1 friend.
• Choose activities based on shared interests and the friend’s personal circumstances.
• For some it might mean visiting them in their home for a cuppa and a chat while other volunteers may meet their friend for a visit to a local cafe, participate in a shared hobby, go for a scenic drive or head out for a walk.
• Put a smile on your buddy's face by providing valuable companionship and the opportunity to have fun.
• Build a lasting connection that enriches both your buddy's and your own personal wellbeing.

Full training for this role and ongoing support provided by the COFN coordinator.

Requirements

Buddies are people who:

• Have friendly approachable manner
• Are comfortable initiating conversation
• Are confident in actively building friendships with new people
• Is willing to undergo a police check and reference checks

You may also have previous experience with:

• connecting with people who are isolated
• supporting people experiencing disability
• older people/in aged care
  This is helpful but not essential as long as you have a willingness to learn.

Having your own transport is useful but this should not be seen as a barrier to volunteering with COFN as there may be someone looking for a friend in your neighbourhood within walking distance.

A Police background check is required for this role.

Time commitment

• You can choose your level of time commitment.
• Part of COFN's matching process is determining the availability of the volunteer and what the friend is looking for in a friendship

Overall, it can really vary as some 1:1 friends need predictable routines meet every week or fortnight at exactly the same time for 2 - 3 hours while others simply catch up for a coffee on a much more flexible basis once a month or so.

Getting started

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.

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In applying for this position I confirm that I have read the requirements of the position and believe I have the skills and attributes required to carry out this role safely and effectively.