Volunteer for our Buddy Scheme

Can you spare a few hours a month to befriend a young person in care? If you want to volunteer, have fun and make a real difference in a young person’s life then become a buddy with us.

Who is a buddy? 

A buddy (or independent visitor) is a trained volunteer who visits and befriends a young person in care (usually aged between 8 and 18 years old). The aim of the role is to be a positive adult role model and provide 1-2-1 time and space for a young person to talk, feel listened to, valued, and have some fun. 

Buddies meet with their young person for 2-3 hours once a month and spend time together. They do activities, go out for food, talk, and generally have an enjoyable time. 

We ask for a minimum commitment of two years for this volunteering role as buddies play an important part in their young person’s development. This consistent friendship helps the young person to build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience. 

Examples of activities buddies do with their young person are:

• Go to the cinema, bowling, ice skating
• Go to the park, dog walking, play football
• Visit a local museum, gallery, theatre
• Go to a restaurant or café

It all depends on what the young person would like to do. We do aim to match you with a young person who has similar interests and hobbies to you.

A set budget and travel expenses are provided per calendar month.

Can I volunteer?

We are looking for positive, reliable, and enthusiastic volunteers from all different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. You do not need any specific qualifications or experience to volunteer, just an interest in the development and welfare of children. Full training is provided for this role with continual support from your designated coordinator.

To become a buddy, you need to be:

• 18 years or older.
• Able to relate well to young people and have a genuine interest in their welfare.
• Aware of and sensitive to the impact of race, culture, language, religion, ability, gender or sexual orientation and to challenge prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behaviour.
• Willing to undergo background checks, an enhanced DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and provide two references.
• If you have lived in the UK for less than five years, you are required to obtain an overseas criminal record check(s) from the overseas country/countries you have resided in, in the last five years.
• If ALL of the overseas addresses are UK HM Forces barracks addresses then overseas check(s) DO NOT need to be undertaken as these will be obtained as part of our DBS application. 
• Able to attend an informal interview and complete a full day of initial training.
• Committed to meeting your young person once a month for a minimum of two years.
• Able to develop a trusting relationship with your young person which will require patience and understanding. This can be a slow process.
• Willing to share any child protection concerns that arise which are beyond the realms of confidentiality.
• Complete a brief visit recording form and expenses form after each visit.
• Please note: The independence of the Buddy Scheme is vital, therefore anyone who work's for Doncaster Children's Services or as a local councillor unfortunately cannot be a volunteer. This also applies to partners and spouses of these staff members. 

What support will I receive?

You will receive:

• Full initial training which will equip you with all the knowledge and confidence needed for the role. 
• Ongoing one-to-one support from your coordinator throughout your time volunteering.
• Reimbursement for all agreed expenses to cover the cost of activities, travel and food. 
• The opportunity to attend additional training throughout your time as a volunteer.
• A volunteer handbook with handy tips to support you in your role.
• Access to 24/7 support if you are worried about your young person. 
• Quarterly face-to-face support meetings with your coordinator.
• Optional quarterly team meetings with other buddies. 

How will I be matched to a young person?

You will be invited to an informal interview so that we can get to know you, your interests, and hobbies and what you would like us to consider when matching you with a young person. We will take into account how far you are able or willing to travel and if you are happy to use your own vehicle for transport. 

Testimonials from current volunteers:

“Being a buddy is one of the most rewarding things I feel you can do. You are showing a young person, who is in care, that they are a choice, you are actively choosing them and choosing to spend your time with them, not because it is a job or something you have to do but because you want to. I choose to spend time with my young person because I enjoy their company, it gives me a sense of purpose and deep satisfaction. We have fun together and no matter what else may change in their life I can be there as a constant and consistent person which is such a valuable thing.” - volunteer since September 2023

“I became a buddy after learning about the service from a friend. I was taken aback by the number of young people in need of a male volunteer, and I was motivated by the chance to make a positive impact on someone's life. Over the last year I have since formed a great relationship with my young person through sharing memorable experiences like watching football, bowling, and go-karting. It has been incredibly fulfilling. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a Buddy and I would urge anyone with the time and willingness to consider volunteering. The rewards far outweigh any challenges and the difference you can make in someone's life is immeasurable." - volunteer since August 2023

“I don’t think I can change the world, but I thought I might be able to make one person’s world a better place. So, I joined the Buddy Scheme to give a little back to my community. I don’t have to give a lot, just a few hours once a month. It doesn’t cost anything, but what it gives back to a person who might have had some struggles, or a tough time is.....well potentially world changing." - volunteer since February 2024

"I love being able to give back. Giving a child something to look forward to, a time that is theirs, away from everything and they know they can always count on me. I never get tired of seeing the young person’s face light up when you go and pick them up to go out.” - volunteer since August 2018

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