Buddy for someone at the Van Mesdag clinic

TBS patients can request a buddy from Humanitas who will visit or accompany them on unsupervised leave. Patients at the Van Mesdag Clinic have often had very limited contact with the 'outside world' for a long time, and that step outside can be quite exciting. That is why contact with a buddy, the attention and the chat are of great importance.

The function

A volunteer buddy helps make the step back into society easier. It involves real 'doing' activities, such as exploring the city together, walking, cycling or getting a cup of coffee on a terrace. Some people do not know Groningen yet and then you can also show someone around the city.

In an introductory meeting, we look together at which participant fits in well with your interests, hobbies and preferences. In this way, we look for the right click and that makes the contact valuable for both.

"Through this volunteer work, I come into contact with people I would otherwise not meet, that is very valuable."

The introduction takes place at the Van Mesdag Clinic. The first appointments are within the clinic. If it goes well and both parties get along well, the appointments will take place outside the clinic.
The frequency is once every three weeks and this can be expanded, for a period of one year.

As a buddy, it is important that you have an affinity with the target group, are confident, a good listener and are balanced and independent.

Most participants are male and 30+, they often express the wish for a volunteer of their own age (25+). If you are not, but are still interested? Please do contact us!)

Buddies can contact the (volunteer) coordinators of the project with questions for support, training and guidance.

You can also contact a social worker from the Van Mesdag Clinic.