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We are delighted to see our funding and resources are helping Big Buddy Mentoring Trust. Established in 1997, they have supported over 1242 boys who do not have their dad or a positive male role model in their life.
1. What are you doing?
We match Little Buddies and Big Buddies to create an ongoing positive relationship. We also provide Group Programmes for teenage boys to support their wellbeing, relationships, communication, confidence and EQ.
2. What inspired you to do what you’re doing?
Unfortunately, an estimated 8,000 boys live in New Zealand with very little or no ongoing contact with their dad or an adult male.|
Research shows that the absence of a positive male role model for some of these boys can have a lasting impact on their development and well-being. They can find it difficult to develop a strong sense of self-esteem and identity and can struggle with their emotions. Their ability to keep on track and stay connected to others can become more challenging as they grow.
We know that mums, grandmothers and other female carers do a great job, but sometimes their boys can feel a gap. Big Buddy is here to help bridge that gap by connecting these boys to a positive male role model, a volunteer Big Buddy.
3. Why did you choose to focus on this topic?
We know that boys will look for a male role model in their life, whether that be a positive influence or not. The development of our new Group Programme for teenage boys is designed to help more boys at an impressionable time in their lives. Older boys’ needs are more complex in today’s society and supporting them is more challenging. Adding to this, there is a shortage of volunteers coming forward. The goal is to more effectively meet the needs of older boys while also making it easier for Big Buddies to step up.
4. What made you decide to apply for an HealthCarePlus Grant for Good? (where did you hear about it)
We spotted the opportunity to apply on Strategic Grants, a calendar we subscribe to. From the outline and all the details we found it really felt like this matched our work and both organisations were very aligned in beliefs and desire to make an impact.
5. How was your experience in Appling for the grant?
Fantastic. The process was simple and we had great clear, engaging communication the whole way through.
6. How has funding from HealthCarePlus helped?
We received funding to cover the cost of our first ever Group Programme for teenage boys in Wellington. Supporting these young men with this new initiative in the region.
7. What does this grant mean to you?
The Healthcare Plus Grant for Good has meant so much to us at Big Buddy. It helped us launch our first Group Programme for teenage boys in Wellington. These boys are at an age where life can feel confusing, and having a space to build confidence, open up, and learn how to connect with others is so important. This grant didn’t just fund a programme — it showed us that others believe in what we’re doing too.
8. What would you say to others considering but hesitant in applying for a grant?
Give it a go! The best part was that HealthCarePlus understood that this was a new programme for Big Buddy and that they were happy to support and learn with us along the way.
9. What advice would you give to future Grants for Good applicants?
You might not have all the answers now, but if you have a great idea or need that you believe in, ask for support.
10. What are you hoping to achieve?
That no boy feels alone.
11. In what way will your course help make a positive impact on others?
We find that the ripple of positive connections makes an impact much wider than just the individuals involved. By supporting our boys to become good men they then take these learnings into their day to day lives now and in the future, the positive relationships they have with their Mums, whanau, sisters, teachers, coaches, friends, partners. The ripple continues many years after.
If you are interested and want to know more this year's Grants for Good and how to apply for one then click below.
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