Appendix 4 - Buddy Scheme

Purpose

To help new partners learn from another active Advocate how to use Acts 435 in the best way in their context, and provide new ideas for reaching out to their local community using this resource.

How would it work?

A new Advocate can request a buddy to help them get Acts 435 set up in their local community.

A buddy would usually be close enough for you to travel to and shadow how the Acts 435 Advocate connects with those in need and posts and manages requests. We believe it is best to see in person how it works and discuss with the Advocate effective ways of reaching out to those in need. A buddy would, where possible, be a similar organisation (for example a church fairly new to engaging with those in poverty, a Christians Against Poverty church, or a charity).

Pairing up these new Advocates with their buddy would be done as the need arises – ie. a new Advocate expresses an interest in having a buddy and at that point appropriate potential partners will be contacted and invited to support the new Advocate in this way.

In some cases, a new Advocate may feel that talking to a particular organisation would most benefit them, even if this other church or charity isn’t geographically close. This can be arranged with support via a telephone conversation with the Advocate and/or email communication. This will also be necessary if a new church is not close to any other Acts 435 organisations. Please note: you may wish to use the Advocates’ Facebook Group to access support from other Advocates.

Acts 435 participating churches and charities all participate on a voluntary basis and each Advocate’s circumstances are different as to the amount of time they can give to Acts 435. This will have a direct effect on whether they can serve as a buddy. We therefore cannot guarantee a particular Advocate can mentor or guide you, but we will do our best to find some local support to help you maximise the potential of Acts 435 in your local community.

To request a buddy please contact the Operations Director by emailing rellwood@acts435.org.uk