Volunteer as a Sense Virtual Buddy

What is Virtual Buddying?

Sense matches volunteers with disabled people to meet on Zoom or over the phone.

Our volunteers have spent thousands of hours with their buddies – learning new skills, having fun, and forming fantastic friendships.

If chatting over the phone isn’t your thing, don’t worry! We also connect people as pen pals to exchange emails, texts or letters.

Sense matches each volunteer with someone who has similar interests, to make sure you have a great time. 

How does it work?

  • Sign up now!
  • We’ll follow up by email to set up a quick chat to learn more about your interests. This helps us find the right match and answer any questions.
  • We’ll invite you to a training session and we’ll send a short online training package so you’re prepared.

If you’re volunteering with an under-18, we’ll also check if you have a criminal record (don’t worry, we’ll help you get this checked and we’ll pay for it, too). 

And that’s it – time for your first session with your buddy!

Why volunteer as a Virtual Buddy?

You’ll tackle social isolation and loneliness

Loneliness and social isolation disproportionately affect disabled people. Virtual Buddying gives disabled people a way to make friends, while providing opportunities to build their confidence and try new skills.

Watch Claire speaking from our summer get-together about how she makes a difference volunteering with Catherine.

You’ll learn new skills

You and your buddy can try learning new activities such as art, music, cooking or…anything! What you try is up to you. We’ll support you by providing resources and guidance.

Sense volunteers also develop skills that help them in their careers.

A red-haired woman and a brown-haired man are talking next to some trees

“I’ve learnt a lot from volunteering with Sense. I’m now a special needs teacher and I credit Sense with that decision.”

Jenny, who volunteers with Angus

It’s flexible and works around you

You and your buddy choose a time that suits and decide what activities you’ll do.

If you’ve got questions, we’re here to help. Sense is full of supportive, friendly people who are dedicated to making sure you succeed, learn, and have fun on this project.

A woman, Karen, in a wheelchair on the grass in Regent's Park, in front of some trees

“I feel like I make a big difference by volunteering with Sense – it’s very rewarding.”

Karen, who volunteers with Ricky

It’s fun!

Our volunteers have the best time. We’re always blown away by the positive feedback they give us. Sign up to join our amazing volunteer team and join the adventure!

a girl takes a selfie with three other people

“I just know that on a Thursday I’m going to be laughing at the end of my day. It’s a really positive part of my week.”

Bethany, who volunteers with Olivia
Child and mother hold homemade ice creams t

Who can volunteer?

The programme is open to all volunteers who are 16 and over.

You don’t need previous experience volunteering or caring for disabled people. We welcome people from all backgrounds and with all interests.

We’re also always looking for people who speak British Sign Language – if that sounds like you, get in touch with us.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about virtual buddying with Sense, feel free to get in touch. 

Want to learn more about volunteering with Sense? Contact our team at [email protected] or call 0121 312 3120.

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