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 HR and OD, Vicky, talks about what being a volunteer for Buddy Club means to her.
What motivated you to volunteer for the Buddy Club?
I was new to Abri and heard about the Buddy Club and a request for volunteers. Some of my colleagues were already buddies and had said how much they enjoyed it. As I work in the HR team, there isn’t much of an opportunity to talk to our customers and so I saw this as a great opportunity to volunteer, get involved and do something to help others.
How do you think customers benefit from this scheme?
Many of our customers have been cut off from their families and social lives during lockdown, but loneliness can be an issue regardless. The scheme is a chance for customers that might be feeling lonely or isolated, to talk to someone new and make a connection. Because we work for the company we can also help deal with any queries, or we know someone else that can help.
How do you benefit from it?
It is great to hear from our customers and what it is like to live in one of our homes within a community. It has developed my understanding of the organisation, how our customers perceive us and to understand how uncomfortable it is to feel lonely. It is a small amount of time out of my busy diary and I love hear the stories my buddy has to tell.
What have you learned from volunteering for the Buddy Club?
I have learned that it doesn’t take a lot to make a big difference to other people. There is always time to say hello or to smile – which could make a really big difference to another person’s day.
How important is it that people volunteer their time for schemes of this kind?
I always think about what help or support I would want if I was lonely, so it is important to volunteer for this type of scheme. You never know when you or a member of your family might need similar support and so giving some of your time to make a difference to someone else is hugely rewarding.
Do you do any other volunteering?
I also volunteer as a mentor to the Aspire Foundation, an organisation making a difference to women and girls all around the world.
What inspires you about volunteers?
I am inspired by the range of things that volunteers do to make a difference to other people. There are many organisations that wouldn’t survive without volunteers. That goodwill does such a lot to change lives – what can be better than that?
