Sense Virtual Buddying volunteers make a real difference to supporting young people and adults who may be lonely or isolated.
Sense matches volunteers with disabled people to meet for an hour a week on Zoom or over the phone.
Our volunteers have spent thousands of hours with their buddies — learning new skills, having fun, and forming fantastic friendships.
Sense matches each volunteer with someone who has similar interests, to make sure you have a great time.
You and your buddy choose a time that suits you, and you can decide what activities you’d like to do together.
Here’s what Bethany has to say about volunteering as a Virtual Buddy: “I just know that on a Thursday I’m going to be laughing at the end of my day. It’s a really positive part of my week.”
Sense matches each volunteer with someone who has similar interests to ensure you’ll have lots of fun together. Once matched with a buddy, you will get to know each other remotely via video calls or phone calls.
You’ll arrange weekly sessions and plan fun things to do together – what this looks like will be inspired by your mutual interests. You could be gaming, doing arts and crafts, playing music, seed planting – there are so many possibilities! We will provide you with weekly themed activities to help to support you in planning your interactions with your buddy.
We’ll also keep in touch with you to ensure you have all the support you need.
The programme is open to all volunteers who are 16 and over. You don't need to have previous experience volunteering or caring for disabled people. We welcome people from all backgrounds and with all interests.
How we will Support You
Before you start your volunteering role, we’ll make sure that you’ve had the training you need to feel confident. This will be delivered online and via video call.
While you’re volunteering with us as a Virtual Buddy, you’ll get:
- A written account of your volunteering and references if required
- Access to additional communication courses such as Deaf Awareness and British Sign Language
- Reimbursement of pre-agreed expenses
Volunteering as a Sense Virtual Buddy is a great opportunity to develop new skills and get to know new people whilst making a real difference to a person’s life.
Who we are Looking For
We need positive, empathetic volunteers who are passionate about supporting people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. We are looking for volunteers who are great communicators and who are friendly, enthusiastic, positive and ready to have fun!
Benefits to self
Volunteering is a great opportunity to develop new skills, experiences and meet new people. In particular, you'll gain experience of working with people with disabilities and develop a new friendship.
Benefits to others
Sense Virtual Buddying volunteers make a real difference to supporting young people and adults who may be lonely or isolated.
Location
Virtual, from home
Training available
Full training will be provided before you start volunteering you ensure you feel confident in your role. Training includes:
- Safeguarding
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- Confidentiality & Data Protection
Training is also tailored specifically to support you in your role as a Virtual Buddy. We are also able to offer you additional e-learning to gain an understanding of different methods of communication (this is optional).
Hours per week
90 minutes per week, for three months
Transport details
Remote volunteering from home