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.
Read about one of IHC's volunteer friendships here.
Skill-based Volunteering
IHC’s unique one-to-one friendship programme has expanded to include skill-based volunteering. These are 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.
Find out more
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with IHC. You can:
Register your interest using our volunteering online contact form.
Contact your local IHC Association to find out about volunteering in your local area.
Call us toll free on 0800 442 442, or email: volunteering@ihc.org.nz.
Read our Volunteering FAQs here
Volunteer for IHC
Make a real difference in the life of someone with an intellectual disability - become an IHC volunteer today.
Next Steps
Volunteers frequently asked questions
Volunteer for IHC today
Find a volunteer coordinator in your area
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.