Community Buddies
Having someone to talk to, share a cup of tea with or get out and about with can make all the difference. Community Buddies connect with people who may be feeling lonely or isolated, offering companionship and helping them feel more connected to their community.
How a Community Buddy may be able to help
Community Buddy support is shaped around the individual. Depending on what they would enjoy and feel comfortable with, this could include:
- a regular phone call and conversation
- popping in for a chat and a cup of tea
- meeting for a walk locally
- spending time together in a garden or local green space
- sharing an interest or activity
- accompanying someone as they build confidence to try a local activity or group
- visiting somewhere locally together, such as a museum, historic house or gallery
When someone is referred to us, we’ll find out more about their interests and the kind of contact they would like. This helps our volunteers choose someone they feel they could connect with over shared interests.
Connecting with people and nature
Through our partnership with the Stepping into Nature team at Dorset National Landscape, Community Buddy support can also include opportunities to reconnect with nature as a Nature Buddy.
Our trained Nature Buddies can provide one-to-one or small-group support to help people gradually build their confidence outdoors. This might be a walk, spending time in a garden, nature watching or initially accompanying someone to an outdoor activity.
Who could benefit?
Community Buddies may be suitable for someone who is experiencing loneliness or isolation, has lost confidence getting out and about, or would simply benefit from some regular social connection.
The aim isn’t just to provide company. Where appropriate, a Buddy can help someone gradually rebuild confidence, rediscover interests and feel more connected to the people, places and activities around them.
Making a referral
If you’re a professional working with someone in the Dorset Council area who may benefit from a Community Buddy, you can make a referral to our team.
We’ll ask about the person’s circumstances, interests and the kind of contact or activities they might enjoy. This helps us consider what support would be appropriate and, where possible, find a volunteer who could be a good match.
If you’re a friend or family member of someone who may benefit from a Community Buddy, you can contact us.
You don’t need to be certain that this is the right service before contacting us. If you’d prefer to talk through the person’s circumstances and the support they may need, we’re happy to have an informal conversation first.
Could you help someone in your community?
Community Buddies volunteer a little of their time to help someone feel less alone and more connected. You might meet for a cup of tea and a chat, go for a walk locally, enjoy a shared interest together, or simply provide a friendly face and someone to talk to. By spending time together, you can help someone build confidence, enjoy more social contact and feel more connected to their community.
We’ll support you throughout your volunteering and carefully match you with someone based on your interests, availability and what you both enjoy.