iVolunteer - IHC (Intellectually Handicapped Children)

iVolunteer - IHC (Intellectually Handicapped Children)

$0.00

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

We are looking for a volunteer that would like to become friends with a mum of a child 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.

We recognise that family carers, especially mums, of people with intellectual disabilities often feel isolated in their community, often don’t have the same opportunity to socialise or maintain relationships as others. We would like to help with that. By providing a listening ear and a friend to chat to regularly, you can feel proud that you will have a positive impact in the life of a mum who cares for a child with intellectual disability. By taking a moment to connect, you can make a positive change in their life and gain a new friend in the process.

We match you with someone with similar interests as you, so that you can develop a genuine friendship. For example, you might like cooking, walking in the bush, painting, or Netflix movies and this may give you a common interest to talk about together. The relationship is one to one. This means you spend time speaking to only one person, so you both get to know each other. Together you decide how often you are in contact, there is flexibility and it is not time specific.
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 by telephone or online. Volunteers are provided with full orientation and receive ongoing support from one of our volunteer coordinators. We welcome applicants over the age of 17 to apply.

Requirements

Volunteers must own or have access to a digital device and have basic skills in using digital platforms.
Good communication - support and training will be provided.
Be able to commit to 12 months or more.

Time commitment

The number of hours is decided by the volunteer and their friend and may vary with each match. It is flexible, but we recommend 1 hour per week although we understand that sometimes fortnightly works better.