Adult Buddy Mentor (Volunteer) – Dunedin
- Adult Buddy Mentor (Volunteer) – Buddy Programme, Dunedin
The Role
The Buddy Programme has been enriching the lives of children and young people in the Otago region for over 30 years. As an Adult Buddy Mentor, you will be matched one-to-one with a child aged 5–12 to share friendship, encouragement, and simple fun activities in the community. Your time and positive attention can help a child build confidence, develop social skills, make positive choices, and experience connection, fun, and belonging.
Hours
Adult Buddy Mentors usually spend 2–3 hours each week with their young buddy, after school or on weekends. Fortnightly availability may also be considered. Activities are simple, low-cost, and based around shared interests, such as visiting a park or beach, playing games, walking, biking, baking, or exploring local places together. A minimum 12-month commitment is required to provide consistency for the child, although we recognise that breaks are important and this commitment does not need to be continuous.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Enjoys spending time with children and can build a warm, positive relationship.
- Is friendly, reliable, patient, and a good listener.
- Can be a positive pro-social role model and encourage a child’s confidence and self-esteem.
- Is willing to learn new things, share new experiences, and have fun.
- Is respectful of different backgrounds, cultures, families, and lifestyles.
- Enjoys getting out and about and experiencing what the local Dunedin community has to offer.
- Is aged over 20, although this can be flexible.
- Is willing to complete full Police Vetting and provide four referees to support their application.
This role requires full Police Vetting and referees as part of the application process.
What We Offer
We provide full training before you are matched with a young buddy, along with ongoing support from the Buddy Programme team. Matching is carefully considered, taking into account interests, personality, location, and the needs of the child. We want you to feel confident, supported, and able to enjoy the role as much as your young buddy.
If you are friendly, reliable, and want to make a lasting difference for a child, we would love to hear from you.
About Us
The Buddy Programme is part of Presbyterian Support Otago and has been supporting children, young people, and families across Otago for over 30 years. The programme connects children with carefully selected adult volunteers who offer friendship, encouragement, and positive shared experiences. Through safe and supportive one-to-one relationships, young buddies have opportunities to build confidence, self-esteem, social skills, and a stronger sense of connection in their community.
Join the volunteer team at the Buddy Programme and help make a meaningful difference in a child’s life.
To apply, click “Apply Now”.
For further information, contact the Family Works team on 03 477 7115.
Please note applications will be reviewed as they are received, and this job vacancy could close prior to the closing date.
If you have difficulty applying, please email recruitment@psotago.org.nz
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
