Buddies Philosophy

"We understand because we've been there"

• Mental Health service consumers can benefit from the positive contact of other mental health service consumers
• Recovery is possible
• Even when someone is in crisis, their place in the world is just as important

Buddies Services

One on one peer support

At our core is one on one peer support:

• "Buddies" are mental health consumers who want to share their experience of recovery
• Buddies share the hope of recovery with "peers", who are mental health consumers presently having difficulty coping
• Buddies and peers are linked together based on common interests, hobbies, location, and compatible personalities
• Buddies and peers each receive an allowance for travel and expenses
• The buddy/peer relationship is monitored to ensure mutual satisfaction
• Both buddy and benefit from the relationship

Hospital visits

• Buddies visit Te Whare o Matairangi at Wellington Hospital
• Visits help reduce loneliness, helplessness and confusion that may be felt when staying as an inpatient
• Activities are run as part of the visit
• Activities are diverse, such as, theme parties, karaoke, indoor bowls, and origami
• Visiting the hospital as a buddy and being able to help others empowers the buddy also

Community events

• Events are open to inpatients at Te Whare o Matairangi, other mental health consumers and their friends/families
• Events are organised and run by the Buddies coordinator and volunteers
• Events include parties, BBQs, writing groups, and movie visits
• Future plans include gym days, sports days, and hairdressing events

Buddies volunteers can be trusted

All Buddies volunteers are carefully chosen, looking at aspects such as capacity, reliability, safety, honesty and suitability. Buddies are then put through a comprehensive training course, which means Buddies:

• Know about and observe privacy legislation
• Work to a code of conduct that includes respecting boundaries
• Respect peer rights to freedom of religion, opinion, thought, sexual orientation, gender, and any other human right
• Can assist with accessing advocacy services
• Are honest and assertive in their communication
• Know about and observe healthy and respectful relationships
• Are trained in strategies for crisis situations

Contacting Buddies

If you are interested in becoming a buddy, acquiring a buddy, coming to community events, or know someone who would suit this service, contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or on  phone (04) 385 2104 or 021 960 060.

We encourage people to self refer, so if you are a family member, friend, support worker or health professional of an individual who thinks that Buddies can help, please support them to make a referral themselves. Alternatively, if you are thinking about a referral on their behalf, discuss it with them first to see if they are interested before making an approach.