Adult and young buddies from the Dunedin and Balclutha Buddy Programme came together recently for a mid-winter outing – an afternoon of ice skating!
The afternoon gave everyone a chance to meet, spend time together and for the adults the opportunity to share their experience with the Buddy Programme.
Buddy Coordinator Sam Robinson said one of the highlights of the day was seeing young buddies from the two different areas spend time together.
“One younger buddy supported another young buddy to get out on the ice, using the polar bears to build up her confidence and abilities. She went from being very certain that she couldn’t do it and was going to fall, to giving it a go and having a lovely time.”
By the end of the afternoon, the pair had struck up a friendship.
“When we were all saying goodbye, I saw the young buddy head over to her new mate to have a wee conversation. There was a lovely wee bond created just out of bringing everyone together.”
Group outings like this give buddies the opportunity to meet others in the programme and try activities they may not otherwise experience. Bringing together participants from Dunedin and Balclutha also allows connections to form across the wider Buddy community.
After a busy afternoon on the ice, everyone warmed up with hot chips.
“The hot chippies went down an absolute treat, as they always do!” said Sam.
More information about the Buddy Programme
Images: Buddies at ice skating outing.
