Buddy for at least 6 months
Getting to know each other takes time. Over those months you spend around 80 hours on the buddy programme, usually 8–12 hours a month.
Become a buddy to a senior
A third of people over 65 feel lonely, and for those over 75 it is as much as half. Become a buddy to a senior in your neighbourhood and make an impact.
About this project
- Meet people outside your own bubble
- Make a difference in someone’s life and build a valuable bond
- Receive a recognised civic service (MDT) certificate and a star on your CV
More than 350 older adults are currently waiting for a buddy. You do fun, low-key activities together: going for a walk, playing a board game or visiting a museum.
You become a buddy for at least 6 months and spend around 8–12 hours a month on the programme. Careibu guides you from start to finish.
Is this for you?
- You are between 17 and 30 years old
- You want to do something good for your fellow human beings
- You live in or near Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht or The Hague
Experiences
What other young people say
I helped an older man with his hobbies every week. It was lovely to see how my company cheered him up.
Rick 21, Sports and Economics student Volunteering with lonely seniors has changed my view of old age. I have so much fun with an older generation.
Kelly 24, communication student Simply having coffee and playing cards together already made all the difference. This cost me no stress at all and gave so much back.
Mette Education studies student +7,000
people have already been helped by our community. You can make the difference for a lonely senior in your neighbourhood.
Becoming a volunteer: what does it involve?
Guidance from start to finish
You’re not on your own. Our youth coordinators guide you, and we offer courses and workshops.
90 euros in pocket money
As buddies you want to do fun things together. You can spend this pocket money on, for example, a day at the museum or a cup of coffee out.
Civic service (MDT) certificate
After completing the programme you receive an MDT certificate — a nice bonus when you’re looking for a job.
How does it work?
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Sign up
Signing up is free, just like the whole programme. After that we’ll contact you to help you find a suitable match.
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Get to know Careibu
We’d love to get to know you better. That’s why we plan a short introductory call via Google Meet: who are you, who are we, and what can we expect from each other.
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Choose a request that suits you
Through Find & Match you’ll see all requests from seniors, children and people with dementia in your area.
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It's a match!
You meet your match for the first time. With our tips and guidance you’ll start with confidence.
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Company and support
After the introduction you’ll meet up regularly with your buddy for around six months. Together you decide when and how often you meet. Go out, do fun things, and truly mean something to someone. Need a break? You can easily pause the programme.
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Training and coaching
Develop yourself along the way. Through coaching and training from the Careibu academy you’ll work on skills for now and later.
People looking for help
People looking for help with this project
View a few people who fit this project. Open a profile and discover if you're a match.
Greet, 78
Utrecht
Companion for seniors
Looking for a companion to walk through the park together every week and have a chat.
- Walking
- Coffee & chat
- Hours per month
- 4-8 hours
- Availability
- Daytime
Fatima, 71
Den Haag
Companion for seniors
Enjoys a good conversation and a games evening, and would like a bit more company.
- Coffee & chat
- Games
- Hours per month
- 4-8 hours
- Availability
- Evening
Henk, 80
Rotterdam
Companion for seniors
Loves helping out at the neighbourhood meal and is looking for company on weekends.
- Cooking together
- Coffee & chat
- Hours per month
- Up to 4 hours
- Availability
- Weekend
Frequently asked questions
Good to know
What does the volunteer work actually involve?
You do fun, low-key activities such as going for a walk, playing a board game or visiting a museum together. You decide together what suits you.
How do I find someone who really suits me?
We start with a short introductory conversation. You also create an account where you can see requests from help-seekers in your area. After your choice you get a match confirmation as soon as possible.
Do I need any special skills?
No, only enthusiasm matters. It’s mainly about company and giving attention.
How much time does volunteering take?
You usually meet up weekly, with flexibility in your schedule. For a civic service (MDT) project you complete 80 hours over 6 months.
What does MDT mean?
MDT stands for "Maatschappelijke Diensttijd", the Dutch national civic service programme. You learn new skills, gain experience and mean something to someone else — with guidance and a certificate at the end.
Will I get guidance and help where needed?
Absolutely. Our youth coordinators are there for you. We also offer courses and workshops.
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