The Whakatipu Buddy programme
If you want to know the benefits of “Buddying” Ask Big Buddy Darren Ryan and his Buddy Jett Ketchel.
The Whakatipu Buddy programme is appealing for locals willing to spend two to three hours a week with a child needing extra adult support. They are holding a training in April.
Darren has been a Big Buddy to 13-year-old Jett for nearly 2 years. “Our favourite things to do are everything and anything! We have awesome fun hanging out and being mates”. Jett enjoys biking and games, and they even went on a West Coast adventure earlier this year!
Currently 16 Big Buddies are matched with 16 Little Buddies in the Whakatipu Basin. Children are aged 4-12 years when matched and are referred by agencies such as Queenstown Lakes Family Services, Happiness House and schools. This can be for a variety of reasons such as learning difficulties or having a sole parent in need of more support. Big Buddies are encouraged to do low or no cost activities with their Little Buddies. Two to three times a year there are organised activities such as visits to Arrowtown Bowling club, iFLY, Silky Otter movies and a Christmas function at Skyline Gondola and Luge. Feedback from parents, schools and referrers is that Little Buddies have improved social skills and confidence and love learning new things. Little Buddies are helped to find their passions such as art, cooking , biking or fishing. Big Buddies get good training and back up from coordinator Nanette Benington.
Would be Big Buddies can contact her at BPW@familyworkssld.nz
