Setup in 2020 as a response to the pandemic, the Buddy Club has connected customers with colleagues to reduce social isolation and improve wellbeing.
Our volunteers from around the organisation have had more than 8,000 calls with their buddies since the scheme launched and here, our Director of IT & Innovation, Karen, talks about what being a volunteer for Buddy Club means to her.
Q. What motivated you to volunteer for the Buddy Club?
A. Buddy club was about reaching out a hand of support at a time when our customers needed it most. Aside from just wanting to support my buddy through a lonely and challenging time, it also gave me a chance to talk to a customer, something I have very little opportunity to do in my role.
Q. How do you think customers benefit from this scheme?
A. I can only really repeat what my buddy told me, that the weekly calls were the highlight of her week. She was struggling, feeling isolated, and worried with no idea of when it would end. The weekly calls were something to look forward to. Aside from that, I was able to listen to what was happening in her community and feed back information that was potentially of use to the Housing/repairs teams. I know my buddy feels listened to and supported.
Q. How do you benefit from volunteering?
A. The calls remind me of why I love working in housing. We make a difference. My 30 minute call a week is a fragment of my working time but I get genuine job satisfaction from being able to be there for one of our customers. They have turned into a highlight of my week too.
Q. What have you learned from volunteering for the Buddy Club?
A. Those communities (no matter how small) all have unique and slightly different challenges. It has reminded me what it is like for our residents and to better understand the service they receive. It’s also helped me to see things from a customer’s perspective. When communications land from Abri we talk about what it means to my buddy and she feels empowered to challenge me about decisions the company takes. It’s a healthy environment for personal and business growth!
Q. How important is it that people volunteer their time for schemes of this kind?
A. I think it’s really important. If you don’t work closely with customers, it’s a perspective you perhaps wouldn’t get another way. I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous before I started – what if I had a highly complex case – but Holly and the team allocated a buddy who just wanted to have a chat so they’d feel connected. I know our calls have seen my buddy through a really tough year and have changed her life for the better.
Q. Do you do any other volunteering?
A. I have done in the past but not over lockdown (other than offering support to the neighbours in my village and helping where I can). When the world opens up a little more, I’m looking forward to getting back into my community.
Q. What inspires you about volunteers?
A. I am always inspired by people who volunteer something incredibly precious (their time) to another cause with no seek of return other than to create a positive impact. We’ve seen so many examples – recently I had my first Covid vaccination and the site was incredibly well managed by 90% volunteers who were so kind, cheerful and positive – what an amazing atmosphere they created!
