i-Volunteer
IHC’s volunteer programme has expanded to online to provide friendship and connection to people with intellectual disabilities, and to family carers, no matter where they live in New Zealand.
The IHC i-Volunteer programme links people with intellectual disabilities and family carers with a friend who they can connect with online or by phone. The relationship is one-to-one. This means you spend time speaking to only one person, so you can both get to know each other. You can both decide how often you are in contact, there is flexibility and it is not time specific.
Volunteer Friendship
IHC’s volunteer friendship programme is about making a positive change in someone’s life and gaining a new friend in the process. It is about spending time doing what you want to do, when you want to do it, with a person with an intellectual disability.
The relationship is one-to-one. This means you spend time with only one person, so you both to get to know each other.
You and the person with the intellectual disability choose how you spend your time. It could be taking the dog for a walk, seeing a movie, or going to a café for a coffee.
It is not time specific. There is choice. There is flexibility. The emphasis is on being out in the community having fun – together.
Skill-based Volunteering
IHC's skill-based volunteering involves shorter, focused projects based on goals the person wants to achieve.
You work one-to-one with a person with an intellectual disability to develop a specific skill, or achieve a specific goal. You set the time commitment to fit the project.
Who can volunteer for IHC?
IHC is on the look-out for people like you. We welcome applicants age 17 and over, from all walks of life, who have a clean police record, a warm heart and big desire to support others.
We offer a full induction and orientation programme for new volunteers. We also provide ongoing training with specific emphasis on understanding intellectual disability, communication and first aid.
Volunteering stories
Find out what some of our volunteers and their friends have been up to together.
Find out more
Find out more about our volunteering programme, the options available and how to apply
If you’re already one of our fantastic volunteers – thanks! Please log in here for training and other information.
Volunteer for IHC
Make a real difference in the life of someone with an intellectual disability - become an IHC volunteer today.
Find a volunteer coordinator in your area
Volunteers frequently asked questions
Things you might be interested in
Donate
A large number of IHC’s programmes are not funded by government, so your donations are essential for us to carry out our work.
IHC Library
Our Library is free to use for anyone living in NZ. We have information on all aspects of intellectual disability, autism and other developmental disabilities.
Advocacy
IHC provides advocacy support wherever there is a need to stand up for the rights of one or all people with intellectual disabilities in New Zealand.
