Organisation

IHC (Intellectually Handicapped Children)

Purpose

IHC is New Zealand’s leading provider of services for people with intellectual disabilities. Their Mission is at the heart of everything they do and they are committed to supporting people with intellectual disabilities to lead satisfying lives in the community.

Description

Provide friendship to a person with an intellectual disability! The friendship is online and is flexible, you can fit it into your normal daily routine, and you can do it from your own home.

IHC recognise that people with intellectual disabilities often feel isolated in their community, and often don’t have the same opportunity to socialise or maintain relationships as others. The iVolunteer program works towards changing this for the better!

How does it work?

• Volunteers are matched with a person based on interests and personality.

• While we will be starting with common interests, but we hope it leads to real connection and genuine friendships. ( For example, you might like cooking, painting, electronics and gaming or Netflix movies- whatever you both enjoy may lead to fun conversation!)

• By providing a listening ear and a friend to chat to regularly you will have a tremendously positive impact in the life of a person with intellectual disability.

• This will be a 1:1 role, meaning you will only be matched with and spend time with one person.

• Together you decide how often you are in contact, there is flexibility and it is not time specific.

• Connect as and when you are able to; every level of contribution can make a positive change in their life!

• Along with their sincere gratitude, you will gain a new friend in the process!

Other details:

• This is an online programme that provides friendship and connection to people no matter where they live in New Zealand.

• All communication and engagement is online.

• Volunteers are provided with full orientation and receive ongoing support from one of our volunteer coordinators.

• Volunteers will have opportunities for further training and development in the course of volunteering.

• Be a part of national annual celebrations of volunteers and friends all over the country

Requirements

1. Volunteers must own or have access to a digital device and have basic skills in using digital platforms.

2. Good communication - support and training will be provided.

3. Be able to commit to 4 hours per month or more.

4. Applicants 17 years old and over are welcome to apply.

Background Check

Police check required (vulnerable people)

Time commitment

• To begin with, you will spend 2-4 hrs over the course of a 2 weeks to complete your initial training and orientation, delivered online.

• Once you have connected with your friend, you can decide amongst yourselves what hours work best, and this may vary with each match.

• It is recommended that you spend at least 4 hours per month together, but understand that there is flexibility with this.

How to apply

Email Hannah Verry at hannah.verry@ihc.org.nz

Please copy (cc) volunteer@otago.ac.nz into your application email.