Community Gem: Volunteering for IHC friendship scheme and gaining a pal

Carla and Renee meet up every week and often chat on the phone. Photo / Supplied

"You can learn a lot from having a range of friends from different walks of life."

Those are the words of Renee Heffernan, a Tauranga woman who enjoys spending time with her friend Carla Spain.

Spain, 41, has an intellectual disability and the pair met through IHC's volunteer friendship programme, an initiative that matches two people together based on similar interests.

"Carla loves routine so we usually go for a walk around the Mount if the weather is nice and then head to her favourite cafe for a coffee afterwards," Heffernan said.

The owner of Wanderlust Dance and Fitness first heard about the programme from a friend who had enjoyed volunteering in Auckland, so she wanted to get involved locally as a way to give back to the community.

Heffernan had worked with children and adults with needs for many years as a dance teacher, so she felt the friendship programme would be a great fit.

"The disability dance classes that I teach are some of my favourite of the week. They keep you on your toes and you never get the same experience twice.

"I am always looking for things to push me out of my comfort zone and I love people."

Heffernan said Spain was shy when she met new people so when the pair met last year she would often hide behind her book.

The pair spend two to three hours a week together and over time, Spain had grown in confidence and gained social skills, Heffernan said.

"I try to challenge her routines sometimes and suggest other places to go or see and she is gaining confidence in doing things outside of her normal," Heffernan said.

"Carla has really embraced the friendship, she is really positive and has formed a strong bond with me in such a short time."

Heffernan said she liked how flexible the programme was and she encouraged others to give it a go.

"I think people may assume it is too time-consuming, but it really is so flexible and you are able to choose when and how much time you spend together each week."

But most of all she said she had enjoyed gaining a new friend.

"Carla keeps me on my toes and I love that she is so positive about life. It doesn't feel like I am volunteering my time, rather just catching up with a friend every week."

Are you interested in volunteering with IHC?
-Contact the local Tauranga volunteer coordinator Jo Matthews on (07) 577 4628 or apply via the IHC website: ihc.org.nz/volunteer.
-IHC welcomes applicants from the age of 17 years, with diverse interests and backgrounds.
-Being able to volunteer one hour per week and a genuine interest in developing a friendship with someone with intellectual disabilities is essential.