The Buddy Programme Programme (Otago) and Taieri Great Mates

Summary

The mission of the programme is to contribute to the emotional and social well being of children and young people in Otago.

Objectives: To match the children and young people with carefully selected and trained volunteers in well supported buddy friendships.

Outcomes: Improved Social and emotional wellbeing as evidenced in young buddy's enjoyment of the relationship.

Benefits: Each relationship involves a different mix of personality factors, interests, skills, and needs. A particular strength of the programme is the extent to which it is able to make the most of this diversity by arranging the "right match". Some of the benefits the young buddy can enjoy are:

1. Consistency - regular and sustained contact with a trusted adult friend who encourages positive interests, attitudes, and behaviour.
2. Time out from family responsibilities.
3. Practice in constructive/creative use of free time (Generally getting out from in front of the TV or Play Station to enjoy healthy physical activity).
4. Experience of using local resources e.g. the Library, the pool, the beach, and the park.
5. Practice in making positive choices.
6. Above all else "fun" the experience of life as interesting and enjoyable.

Contact Address	Family Works Presbyterian Support Otago PO Box 374 Dunedin
Phone Number	03 477 7115
Organisation Email	Buddy@psotago.org.nz
Organisation Website	Presbyterian Support Otago
Contact Person	Manager: Russell Beal
Email	Russellb@psotago.org.nz
Programme Base	Level 2, Presbyterian Support Otago's Administration Building, 407 Moray Place, Dunedin
Other branches/areas of operation? - specify	Dunedin City, Mosgiel, North Otago, South Otago, Central Otago, East and West Otago.
Target Group/s Age (range) Male/Female/Both	Buddy programme: 4 to 12 years. Taieri Great Mates: 9 to 15 years. Both
Additional Target Criteria? Ethnicity/decile/other	Children and young people who have been assessed as being in need of support and encouragement from a positive adult friend.
Nature of mentoring service	Enriching children and young persons lives with friendship, fun, and learning.
Mentoring only, or is there some other element	A developmental programme in which the emphasis is on the nature and quality of the relationship and the constructive activity it shared by the Buddies/Mates.
Mentoring Approach - individual/group/combination	Individual
Mentoring duration - annual or other	12 months minimum
Location and frequency eg school, monthly	Two hours weekly. Often at the volunteer's home or out and about exploring the local environment
Programme operating since	1992
Mentor Source	Community
Mentor Target Criteria	"Concerned optimists"; adults who can provide a safe and beneficial friendship.
Measurement and Evaluation - how is this done	A continuous process.
Involvement Opportunities	Community Support e.g. volunteers, sponsorship