1:1 Exercise 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 which operates across Central Otago 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 by matching them with a volunteer to spend quality time with on a regular basis. Their exercise volunteers support individuals who may have experienced medical conditions such as a stroke, disability or mental health challenges which makes it harder for them to access social connection opportunities or participate in active recreation. COFN volunteers provide that little helping hand at the gym, practical support to navigate rough ground while out for a walk or simply just friendly motivation to get out of the house for gentle exercise.

They currently have buddies waiting for an exercise volunteer in both Alexandra and Cromwell.

• They are looking for a volunteer based in Cromwell to support a local gentleman in his exercise journey by offering both a little practical support getting on/off exercise equipment at the gym or pool and also social connection through meeting someone new. This individual is looking for someone to join for a 45 min gym or pool work out once per week.
• They are looking for a volunteer based in Alexandra to join a local woman on a couple of short 30 min walks per week. It would entail meeting this buddy at their home for a leisurely stroll in the local area, with the volunteer providing a hand/elbow to assist with balance when navigating rough ground, steps/stairs or curb drops due to vision/balance challenges experienced by this individual.

As a buddy, you would:

• Have an interest in exercise or personal health/wellbeing (doesn't mean you need to be super fit...this could be an opportunity to work toward fitness goals together with your new buddy).
• Arrange times to meet for weekly work out sessions with your buddy.
• 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.
• Receive full training for this role and ongoing support provided by the COFN coordinator.

Requirements

Buddies will:

• Be physically mobile and comfortable providing a small amount of practical/physical support to help your buddy access gym equipment or navigate rough ground safely.
• 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 (this is helpful but not essential as long as you have a willingness to learn):

• Connecting with people who are isolated.
• Supporting people experiencing disability.
• Older people/in aged care.

Having your own transport is useful but this should not be seen as a barrier to volunteering with COFN as you may be able to walk to meeting locations.

A Police background check is required for this role.

Time commitment

45mins to 1 hour per week

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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Enquire about this role:

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