Vision: Enrich lives through volunteering
Mission: Connect people and transform communities

Friendship Volunteer - Matamata

Matamata
Organisation:
IHC Volunteering Programme - Waikato
Category:
Social Support
Hours:
Both/Flexible

This man is very independent and capable, lives on his own, drives a car and is studying literature part time at university. Making friends hasn’t been easy for him as he finds it difficult to understand and navigate friendships. He therefore feels quite lonely, so has joined the Friendship Programme to be introduced to someone who could become a real friend.

He has many interests like writing, art, gaming, Sci fi movies and Armageddon events but also likes being active. He regularly goes to the gym, and likes to go on walks and do kayaking. He would like to have a friend to share some of interests with, as well as to going out for coffee and chats with and play mini golf, ten pin bowling and arcade games with.

The ideal person for this man is someone who is patient and understanding, and able to help him learn more about friendship, so he can understand it better so that he can have successful friendships in the future. He has expressed that he would like to meet someone who is chatty, calm, friendly, does not use bad language or is overbearing and has similar interests.

Why it matters
Friendship and time are some of the greatest gifts you can give. It doesn’t take much, simply including him in your life and sharing the things you both enjoy will mean the world to him. Life is always better with friends, especially with a friend who accepts you for who you are.

What you need to know

  • You don’t need any special experience for this role.
  • It’s all about getting to know one person and building a genuine connection.
  • We’ll provide full training and ongoing support so that you feel confident and happy in your role as a friend.

If some of these interests sound like things you’d enjoy too, and you’d like to help this man experience a great friendship, we’d really love to hear from you.

Requirements:
  • Applicants must be at least 17 years old
  • Confidence and fluency in speaking English
  • A good listener who can adapt communication style when needed
  • Patient, kind and reliable, with a genuine desire to build a meaningful friendship
  • A full New Zealand driver’s license, as you’ll need to travel to meet your friend and take part in activities together

A Police background check is required for this role.

A Police background check is required for this role.

Time commitment:

To help this friendship thrive, the following are important:

  • Volunteers should be available at least once every fortnight for an hour or two. Regular contact helps build trust and a consistent connection.
  • A commitment of at least one year is needed to give the friendship time to grow and become meaningful.
  • While schedules can be flexible, consistency matters. Your friend should feel confident knowing when they might see you.
  • This man is available during the week and the weekend so there is a lot of flexibility as to when you can connect.

Please note: This role isn’t suitable for people looking for work experience or employment opportunities. We’re seeking volunteers who can commit to an ongoing friendship and prioritise this relationship during the role.

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: 3077

Apply for this role:

Address: *

Demographic information:
Used anonymously for statistics to demonstrate our impact to funders.
Other information (optional):
In applying for this position I confirm that I have read the requirements of the position and believe I have the skills and attributes required to carry out this role safely and effectively.
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