St Vincent de Paul Society: Buddies Days

Buddies Days are one day recreational or educational activities for children aged 5 to 12 years whose families are supported by the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Buddies Days are well planned activities that rely on young adult volunteers engaging with and mentoring children·who are experiencing hardship or disadvantage. The program provides opportunities for children to develop friendships and self-confidence and, most importantly, to have fun. 

The program offers a range of experiences including bowling, visits to the movies, wildlife parks, museums etc. or fun- filled days hosted at local Colleges which may include craft and sporting activities. Children are referred to the program by our Conference Members and other Society services, in particular our homelessness services. There is no cost to families for the activities and we also provide the transport.

The Buddies Day program aims to:

• provide outreach to the children of families supported by the St Vincent de Paul Society who are doing it tough and may not otherwise have access to the range of experiences we can offer;
• promote friendship, compassion, dignity and community;
• provide respite to parents or carers while engaging their children in a range of activities in a safe, supportive environment;
• promote the children’s independence, confidence and social skills through new social experiences enabling them to explore their talents and interests; and
• provide an opportunity for volunteers to make a difference to the lives of others. 

The role

Students will have the opportunity to work with our team of experienced Buddies Day volunteers to:

• participate in activities alongside the children to ensure their day is both safe and lots of fun; 
• develop a greater understanding of the needs of the children we support;
• enhance their own skills and capacity to be a positive role model to children, making a real difference to their lives; and
• engage with other like-minded young adults to share ideas, create awareness of social justice issues and enact change in the local and broader community.