Building A Friendship

Professionally and personally, Lyn Weir has a history of helping kids out.

So when she read about the Buddy Programme – which matches trained volunteers with children in need of additional adult support – she knew it was a space she could be valuable.

Her ongoing input, over close to three years, has been huge for her Buddy – Daniel Swain, now 12.

“She’s nice, she’s respectful and she helps me a lot,” he says.
“It’s just really fun hanging out.”

The pair have enjoyed numerous activities together, from trips on the Earnslaw, to mountain biking and trips on the Gondola. They go swimming, biking, walking, or just “hang out” at Lyn’s Queenstown home, building 3D wooden models, or playing cards or board games.

Lyn and Daniel’s is a relationship built on respect. The pair is at ease in each other’s company and they look forward to their weekly catch ups.

It hasn’t always been quite that way, but seeing Daniel mature has given Lyn a sense of satisfaction.

“His self-esteem and confidence have grown immensely. He was quite shy… quite nervy, but he’s just so confident now. He’ll give things a go and persevere. It’s so rewarding seeing him progress,” she says.

Lyn enjoys a positive relationship with Daniel’s family – he has one older and one younger brother – and says, like her, his parents have been thrilled with how Daniel’s confidence has improved.

“It only takes one person to make a difference in a child’s life – I know that, as a teacher and as a parent. If someone can spend the time and take an interest in a child, it can make the world of difference,” Lyn says.

The Buddy Programme operates in Queenstown, Gore and Invercargill.

To find out more see www.familyworkssld.nz