The programme relies on adult volunteers prepared to spend a couple of hours a week with a child sharing interests, listening, providing support and having fun.
Our Family Works service operates the programme, selecting volunteers and providing them with training and ongoing support.
The Aims
increase children's self esteem
develop social skills and help children make positive choices
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
people to hang out and have fun with once a week for 2-3 hours
adults aged 18 years and over
women and men from varied backgrounds and life experiences
adult role models who can provide a healthy adult/child relationship
Little Buddies Are
children between four and 12 years of age
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
Buddy Training
prospective Big Buddies attend an initial training course covering 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 a police check, 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, Wakatipu and Gore.