Best Buddies

Best Buddies Australia seeks to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disability by providing opportunities for friendship and integrated employment. We believe in a world where people with intellectual disabilities are recognised for their abilities, embraced by society and valued in the workplace.

We wish to create a socially inclusive community that harnesses the power of one-to-one friendships. Each volunteer (Peer Buddy) is paired to a person with an intellectual disability and together they organise and enjoy everyday activities, such as a trip to the movies or dinner at a restaurant. While some of us may take these simple social pleasures for granted, they have profound and positive effects on the Buddies and Peer Buddies.

Peer Buddies are paired up with a person who are about the same age, same gender, live close by and have a mild to moderate intellectual disability. The framework requires the Buddies to commit to a 12 month program during which time they are required to meet twice a month and to have some other form of contact every week, such as a phone call or email.

Buddy pairs are trained and given guidance about the social expectations of friendships. They are supported by Program Managers who facilitate the matches, encourage the relationship, provide training and monitor adherence to the Best Buddies framework.

Best Buddies focus on the development of a friendship rather than a mentoring relationship. This provides mutual benefits by shifting both parties’ understanding of disability and social inclusion.

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Visit the Best Buddies website at www.bestbuddies.org.au