Being a Big Buddy is a fun and rewarding role that makes a big difference to not just a boy who’d not got a dad in his life, but to all involved.

We aren’t looking for superheroes.  We are simply looking for good guys from our community who care. Guys who want to help a young boy become a good man by sharing friendship and providing guidance, support and encouragement to him.

Big Buddy runs two programmes of support for boys of different ages.

Big Buddy One-2-One matches one boy with one volunteer male role model, a Big Buddy. This programme supports boys aged between 7 and 13 and is set up to be a long-term match (minimum one year), but they often last a lifetime.

Big Buddy Group is a new programme for teenage boys aged 14-17. Big Buddy Group matches a group of boys to Buddies in a safe and supportive group setting.

What to expect when you sign up.

The first step is to complete the expression of interest form below and we will be in touch to discuss your application before we send you a full application pack.

Once your application form is received, we start our comprehensive Selection Process, which can take up to 8 weeks. As you can imagine the safety and happiness of all our Little Buddies is paramount to our success so all men who apply go through this process.

The process also allows us to get to know you. This is vital as we want to match our Big Buddies with a Little Buddy we know will work for both of you and your families.

Before you apply, please read about this process and ensure you are happy to undertake each stage.

About the Selection Process.

The potential Little Buddies and their carers also go through a screening process to ensure Big Buddy is right for them and their needs.

If you are selected to become a Big Buddy the Matching Process begins. We have a proven track record of making good matches for boys, their families and the Big Buddies.

On-going support.

For both our One-2-One programme and our Group Programme we ensure to give you ongoing support.

During your first year as a Big Buddy on our One-2-One programme, you will get regular check-ins with our Mentoring Managers and are invited to bi-monthly meetings.

Buddies on our Group Programme are supported each time they meet with programme facilitators. There are debriefs after each session and the opportunity to join follow up meetings post programme.

Big Buddy Meetings.

The Big Buddy One-2-One Meetings happen every other month. These are times when our Buddies can come together and meet with each other and discuss how things are going with your peers. During these sessions we also provide a range of educational programs designed to help you grow in your role as a Buddy.

And of course, at all times your programme team are only a phone call away to discuss any matters, or simply catch up with how things are going.