< All Roles

1:1 Activity Buddy (Kiwi bloke interests)

Organisation:

Central Otago Friendship Network

Category:

Companionship

Hours:

Both/Flexible

Locations:

Cromwell

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. Often their volunteers support those experiencing disability, medical conditions or age related challenges that make it harder for them to access social connection opportunities in the community. This free and confidential service which operates across Central Otago is designed to give people more social contact with a special volunteer to spend quality time with on a regular basis.

COFN are looking for a buddy based in the Cromwell area to be matched with a classic Kiwi bloke in his 60s who now has limited mobility and some challenges with slower speech due to a medical condition but would love to get out for local drives, visit a car show or have a visitor stop by for a chat. Good connections points for a buddy could be an interest in classic cars, mechanical tinkering, hunting, fishing or work in trades/truck driving/mechanics. If you don't have these kinds of interests or background but are a good talker, enjoy local drives and meeting interesting people then do still apply as similar interests are not an absolute requirement.

As a buddy for this individual, 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.
  • 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 a full driver license and car available for short local drives
  • Have friendly approachable manner
  • Are comfortable initiating conversation
  • Are patient, willing to learn how to communicate and adapt to an individual who has slower speech processing
  • Are confident in actively building friendships with new people
  • Are 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.

A Police background check is required for this role.

Time commitment

  • Time commitment is negotiable depending on volunteer availability but ideally you would be able to commit to 30 min - 1 hour visit or drive once per week OR 1 - 2 hour drive/outing on a fortnightly basis.
  • Times for visits is very flexible and could include weekends or weekdays.

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.

Ref: 2757


Enquire about this role:

Address:

Demographic information:
Used anonymously for statistics to demonstrate our impact to funders.
Other information (optional):