How can I request a Nature Buddy?
Information for health care professionals who wish to refer clients to our Nature Buddy service and search for a Nature Buddy activity provider .
Who can access the Nature Buddies service?
Anyone who is over 18 and currently faces barriers to accessing and enjoying nature for their wellbeing can access our Nature Buddies service. Your client must be ready to take active steps to work towards reaching their nature-inspired goals, which will include exploring ways to engage in nature that is meaningful to them, willing to try new things and be social with others.
Nature Buddies cannot provide physical mobility support. Some Nature Buddies may be able to provide transport, though this will be dependent on the volunteering policies of the organisations managing the Nature Buddies.
Our Nature Buddies
We offer two distinct types of Nature Buddies, allowing you and your client to choose the option that best suits their needs and preferences.
Organisation based Nature Buddies
Volunteers are based in nature focussed groups or befriending organisations across Dorset. They support people to join in activities, encouraging regular involvement and helping them feel more confident in natural settings. The aim is for participants to eventually feel comfortable joining in on their own.
Find an Activity/Organisation offering Nature Buddies support and details on how to make a referral.
Community Nature Buddies
Volunteers provide one-to-one support to help people connect with nature from home, this could be through local walks, visits to heritage sites or home-based activities like gardening. The goal is to build confidence for independent engagement with nature.
They are coordinated by Volunteer Centre Dorset and cover the Dorset Council area.
Make a Referral
Referral Criteria and Guidelines
If you would like to make a referral for either service, please firstly read our Referral Criteria and Guidelines to ensure your referral is suitable.
Adults can be referred by a health care professional for both Organisation based Nature Buddies & Community Nature Buddies.
Some activity providers are accepting self-referral.
Once your referral is received, the organisation or Volunteer Centre Dorset will contact you to gather additional information and arrange a suitable volunteer buddy to support the participant in attending the outdoor activity. Typically 6 supported sessions are agreed upon.
The Buddy will then contact the participant to introduce themselves and arrange a meeting time and place. They will provide support for the agreed number of sessions to help the participant attend the activity or achieve a specific goal.
The buddy will report on progress, and the organisation aims to check in with all participants within 2–4 weeks after the buddy support ends.
Please note: there may be a waiting period for a Nature Buddy.
Download a poster
Have a question?
Please email Kate and Jules at stepin2nature@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or call Kate on 01305 228246. Please note Kate and Jules are part time and may not get back to you immediately. Thank you for your patience.
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