Buddy scheme makes a difference

Garrick McKay and Alvyn Meiklejohn were total strangers until yesterday.

But the pair bonded over a stroll, basketball shots and cup of tea in hope of establishing a new friendship.

Mr Meiklejohn was the newest recruit in a nationwide IHC programme that matches volunteers with a person with an intellectual disability. The programme aims to establish friendships by pairing people with shared interests.

A pair will meet for about two hours every week. There is no set agenda for activities. Some would meet for lunch, a movie or a bike ride. Other pairs bond over salsa lessons, belly dancing or guitar tuition.

Marlborough IHC Volunteer Co-ordinator Joycelyn Robinson played matchmaker. She has been managing the programme in Marlborough for four years and has seen matches evolve into genuine friendships that extend to the pairs' families and other friends.

She credited the programme's success to the way it fits into the volunteer's normal activities and interests.

"It doesn't take time away from their life," she said. Volunteers shared their usual activities with someone who had a disability. "It's just two people having fun."

Mr McKay and Mr Meiklejohn both enjoyed the outing and were looking forward to further activities. Mr Meiklejohn praised the programme.

"It's great for volunteers. It's a chance to bond with someone we wouldn't normally have chosen."

Mrs Robinson said the programme made a significant difference to both people.

It gave people with disabilities opportunities to learn new things, build confidence and engage in the wider community. They might develop a sense of belonging or enjoy activities that others might take for granted.

Volunteers learned empathy rather than sympathy, she said. Some especially valued the meetings as time out from other commitments.

The programme attracted a range of volunteers, who were just everyday people who wanted to give back to the community, Mrs Robinson said.

Yesterday marked the beginning of Volunteer Awareness Week. Those involved in IHC's friendship programme are marking the week with coffee, cake and a movie tomorrow.

- The Marlborough Express