How to be a good buddy - at a distance!

For lots of us, we have never needed a good buddy more than now!  But with fewer clubs, meet-ups, and social activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this can be challenging.  Fortunately, KEEN Buddies is on hand to promote inclusion in the community through 1-1 connections between people with and without additional needs.  We are bringing together new friendships - in a COVID-safe way!

For students in Oxford or members of the local community looking to volunteer, the opportunities may seem very thin on the ground, with in-person gatherings still limited.  Fortunately, the KEEN Buddies programme is here to connect people, even in the depths of a pandemic!  Becoming a buddy is an opportunity to forge meaningful relationships with vulnerable members of the community and make them feel special, when many of their other in-person clubs or activities are being cancelled.

If you choose to join KEEN’s Buddies programme you will be partnered up with a buddy with additional needs, meeting up with them on a monthly basis to do fun, COVID-safe activities.  Becoming a buddy will promote inclusion in your local community - even in a time increasing ‘social distance’!

What activities could you and your buddy do together while sticking to social distancing measures?  Here are some ideas:

1) Go for a walk in the park

While you walk, why not look out for wildlife and see how many animals you can spot?  Take some bread to feed the ducks and a picnic for yourself!

2) Go to the cinema

Time to grab some popcorn, cinemas are opening up again!  Choose a quiet time of day and you might get a whole aisle of seats to yourselves.

3) Craft

Either via zoom, in your buddy’s garden, or in a socially distanced inside environment, why not get those creative juices flowing and do some craft together!  Try your hand at mask-making for example, decorate some old T-Shirts, or build a rocket from old cardboard boxes.

4) Bowling

Bowling alleys are opening up again!  Have you ever got a strike?  Now is your chance to practice with your new buddy!! 

Remember to book in advance and check if you need your mask.

See the list below for some more ideas!