Places of Welcome Buddying

First published: 7th August 2019

Updated: 5th July 2022

Do you like helping others get the best out of life? Are you somebody who loves to get to know people and wants to make a difference in their community?

Making friends and feeling part of the community can make a big difference to how people feel about themselves, contributing to both improved health and wellbeing.

Some of us however lack confidence, are shy about meeting new people or are unaware of what support is on offer locally. This is especially true as we start to emerge from the national lockdown but it’ where you can help!

Places of Welcome Buddies is a new part of Transforming Communities Together’s (TCT’s) work to support people and communities to thrive and flourish. This Buddying project will assist community members living within Walsall and Wolverhampton Boroughs initially, by offering them a ‘friendly ear’, guidance and practical help, so they can experience and enjoy the social and recreational activities available locally through the Places of Welcome network.

There are many Places of Welcome across the Walsall and Wolverhampton boroughs which provide a safe and welcoming environment for all members of the community, especially people who want to make new friends, find out what is happening locally or get some help and advice. This could be new mums or dads, people who have recently moved to the area or older people who want to stay in touch with their neighbourhood.

Buddies will help community members to attend Places of Welcome, providing company and bringing confidence to try out new things.

The Role

You can make a big difference by travelling with them to attend a local Place of Welcome, helping them to connect and participate in the group and support them by signposting them to any appropriate services.

About you

A friendly, non-judgemental outlook is vital. You will need good communication and listening skills with the ability to offer empathy, support, encouragement, and patience.

A knowledge of confidentiality and equal opportunities would be useful, although full training and on-going support will be given to every Place of Welcome Buddy by TCT’s Buddying Project Manager.

A DBS check is required for all volunteers, which will be paid for by Transforming Communities Together.

This project has been made possible by generous funding by The Eveson Charitable Trust

If you are interested in this rewarding, volunteering opportunity, please contact Carrie Blount, Places of Welcome Facilitator, Black Country on 07377 918101 or email carrie.blount@tctogether.org.uk

Buddying Up in Lichfield!

TCT also ran a similar Buddying Scheme with Support Staffordshire in Lichfield District, which ended in August 2021.

Funded by Lichfield District Council, Support Staffordshire recruited and trained a team of volunteers to be ‘Community Buddies’, to offer a ‘friendly ear’ to local residents, signposting and helping people to attend Places of Welcome and other voluntary and community services.

Sandra Payne, Deputy Chief Executive of Support Staffordshire said “We are delighted to be working with Places of Welcome to set up this buddying scheme in Lichfield District. We are fortunate to have so many different activities and opportunities on our doorstep and we want to help everyone take part. Whether this be helping people find out what is on offer, travelling with them to a club or activity or attending with them until they feel confident to go it alone.

We are keen to hear from anyone who would like to become a volunteer community buddy and help other residents to get the most out of life. Buddies will be friendly, good at listening and want to help others enjoy living in Lichfield. The scheme is available to everyone who lives in the District including Burntwood and the rural villages”.