Buddy Up Program
An Inclusive Peer-Support Program
About Buddy Up
Buddy Up is a student-led, professionally supported peer-pairing program launched in October 2025 by NorthStar Special Needs Society.
It connects high-school volunteers with children who have special needs to help them practice communication, build confidence, and form genuine friendships that extend beyond planned activities.
Why Buddy Up Matters
Many children with special needs face daily challenges in communication, social understanding, and forming friendships. They may wish to connect with peers but find it difficult to start or maintain social interactions. Without inclusive opportunities, these children can become isolated, experience low self-esteem, and miss out on essential experiences that build confidence and social skills.
Research shows that peer-supported interaction—learning and playing alongside neurotypical peers—helps children with special needs develop stronger communication, emotional regulation, and empathy. It also creates a sense of belonging and acceptance that traditional therapy settings alone cannot always provide.
Buddy Up was created to respond to this need. By pairing children with trained high-school volunteers, the program provides consistent friendship, structured social practice, and inclusive community participation. Children learn in a supportive, judgment-free environment, while volunteers gain understanding, leadership, and compassion through meaningful service.
Program Goals
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Help children improve social initiative, responsiveness, and emotional expression.
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Train high-school volunteers in autism-friendly communication, empathy, and leadership.
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Build an inclusive community and raise public awareness through events and reports.
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Develop a quality system and practical handbook to support program replication and expansion.
Program Scale
Each year, approximately 200 participants take part in the Buddy Up program.
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100 children, including those with autism and other developmental differences, form stable peer partnerships and engage in regular social interaction through organized sessions.
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100 youth volunteers and staff complete onboarding training and acquire autism-friendly communication and activity facilitation skills, empowering them to create inclusive and positive experiences for every participant.
How It Works
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Apply:
High-school students learn about Buddy Up and submit an interest form. -
Training & Materials:
NorthStar provides onboarding guides, communication training, and the Buddy Up Handbook. -
Proposal:
Students prepare and submit a short project proposal outlining activities, expected outcomes, and schedules. -
Run Activities:
Approved teams organize one-on-one or group sessions with staff or parent support. -
Monthly Meetings & Reports:
Student leaders attend monthly meetings; NorthStar compiles reports and organizes an annual showcase.
Roles and Responsibilities
NorthStar:
Provides the program framework, training, on-site support, coordination, and annual reporting.
High School Volunteers:
Submit applications and proposals, lead activities, attend training and monthly meetings, and document their sessions.
Parents:
Support their child’s participation, attend training sessions, assist during activities, and provide feedback.
Project Coordinators:
Monitor progress, collect activity records, ensure safety and quality, and help organize showcases.
Safety and Child Protection
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A trained parent volunteer or NorthStar staff member must be present at every activity.
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All volunteers sign confidentiality and child protection agreements.
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Venues are checked for safety, with emergency plans and first aid kits available.
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Photos and videos require written parental consent, and all personal information remains private.
Get Involved
Buddy Up welcomes high-school volunteers, parents, and schools to join.
To participate:
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Review the Buddy Up Handbook and training materials.
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Submit a proposal describing your planned activities, expected outcomes, and schedule.
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Attend pre-service training and monthly team meetings.
Contact Information
NorthStar Buddy Up Project Team: buddyup@nsns.ca