Do you want to make a difference for someone else? Become a buddy!

On Thursday, October 16, neighbors came to the Maatjescafé in MidWest and discovered how they can make a difference as volunteer buddies. Often, it doesn’t take much to brighten someone’s day: a chat, a walk, a errand, or just some time for each other. That’s exactly what buddies do. In Amsterdam-West, as a volunteer, you can make a big difference for someone who could use a helping hand. Think of elderly people who can no longer do their own shopping, neighbors with financial worries, or people who feel lonely and need companionship.

Topics

How do you want to contribute as a buddy? During the cozy and informative meeting, five themes were examined:

• 1) Neighborhood Help and Practical Support

Union for Volunteers  –  Network of Neighbors   – For each other in West  –  Better Neighbors   – Church and Neighborhood

• 2) Social support

Rainbow Group   – Prism  – Neighbor Network   –Humanitas   –   For each other in West–Church and Neighborhood

• 3) Parenting Support

Hand in Hand   – Big Friends   – Neighborhood Families

• 4) Support with financial concerns

Combiwel   – Rainbow Group   – Humanitas

• 5) Support for illness and conditions

Buddyzorg Kuria   – Markant   – Team EdNo content to translate.

As a buddy, you make a big difference with small actions. Will you sign up?

Why become a buddy?

In a time where more and more people need help, due to aging, waiting lists, or poverty, one person can make a difference. As a buddy, you help with practical things like groceries, gardening, or offer a listening ear.

What do you get in return?

• Satisfaction.You help with something that is often simple for you, but means a lot to someone else.
• Support.A volunteer coordinator helps you get started and is there for you.
• Flexibility.You arrange with your buddy when you will come – usually once a week or every two weeks, one to two hours each time. Prefer to help occasionally? That’s possible too.
• Coziness.There are often meetings with other volunteers to share experiences or just for socializing.
• To do it.You feel more part of your neighborhood when you can make a difference for someone else.No content to translate.

Good to know

• You are a volunteer, not a caregiver. You do what has been agreed upon, and nothing more.
• Volunteering is complementary to professional care, so you do not perform medical or psychological procedures.
• Most mentoring projects require a commitment of six to twelve months, one to two hours per week or every two weeks, so you can really build something with someone. However, one-off assistance actions are also possible, such as with Burennetwerk, Kerk en Buurt, and Voor elkaar in West.

Do you have any questions or would you like a mediation conversation?

>>> Make an appointment here near you. Photography: Huub Zeeman
Music: The Belleman Brothers