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Become a buddy in Amsterdam

A listening ear. A trusted face. Someone who walks alongside you

For those who are new to the Netherlands, have few social contacts or don't always feel safe, a buddy can mean a great deal. In Wel zo Roze's LGBTQI+ buddy program in Amsterdam, volunteers commit to newcomers, status holders and (homeless) young people for a certain period.

I want to become a buddy
A Wel zo Roze buddy and participant talking at a table
Two people sitting together at an event
Acceptance makes a difference

Safe and accepting communities demonstrably contribute to the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth.

Source: The Trevor Project
What is a buddy?

No big words. Just real attention

A buddy helps build trust, social contacts and a sense of connection. Together they discover Amsterdam, get to know Dutch society better and take part in activities within and outside the LGBTQI+ community.

Not as a professional helper, but as a person next to another person. Someone who listens, thinks along, opens doors and helps someone find their own place step by step. This creates a safe connection in which people can be themselves, feel welcome and find their way in society more easily.

What a buddy can do

Staying in regular contact

Walking, cooking or having coffee together

Helping with language and culture

Showing someone around the city

Helping to build a network

Offering a listening ear

How to become a buddy

Matched in four steps

  1. 1

    Sign up

    You apply via the contact form with subject 'buddy'. Tell us briefly who you are and what you're looking for.

  2. 2

    Introduction

    We invite you for a conversation: your experience, wishes, availability and what you can offer a buddy.

  3. 3

    The match

    We look for a buddy who suits you and make clear agreements about contact, boundaries and expectations.

  4. 4

    Guidance

    You get a dedicated contact person, training or peer supervision where needed, and we keep checking in on how it's going.

Most buddies see each other once a week or once every two weeks. You decide which rhythm fits your schedule.

More confidence.
Less loneliness.

More network. More grip on your own life. Become a buddy and make a difference together with someone.

I want to become a buddy Support the buddy program

Wel zo Roze is registered as an ANBI organisation in the Netherlands. Donations may be tax deductible subject to applicable regulations.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What is Wel zo Roze's buddy program?+
Wel zo Roze's buddy program pairs LGBTQI+ volunteers from Amsterdam with newcomers, status holders, asylum seekers and (homeless) young people. A buddy offers personal support in building a network, getting to know the city and finding their own place in Dutch society.
Who is the buddy program for?+
The program is for LGBTQI+ people who have few social contacts or don't always feel safe: newcomers and status holders, LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and (homeless) young people within the LGBTQI+ community in Amsterdam.
How do I become a buddy at Wel zo Roze?+
You sign up via our contact form with subject 'buddy'. We invite you for an introductory conversation, look together at a suitable match and make sure there are clear agreements, guidance and training where needed.
How much time does being a buddy take?+
You largely decide that yourself. Most buddies see each other once a week or once every two weeks, for example for a walk, coffee or an activity. Wel zo Roze looks together with you for a rhythm that suits your schedule.
Do I need to be LGBTQI+ myself to become a buddy?+
No. Wel zo Roze mainly looks for committed people who feel connected to the LGBTQI+ community in Amsterdam. Openness, reliability and respect for your buddy's experiences matter more than your own background.
What exactly does a buddy do?+
A buddy stays in regular contact, goes for a walk or coffee, helps with language and culture, shows someone around Amsterdam and offers a listening ear. You are not a care professional, but someone walking alongside another person.
Do I get guidance or training as a buddy?+
Yes. You get a dedicated contact person at Wel zo Roze, clear agreements about what you do and don't do, and training or peer supervision where needed. If things go differently than expected, we look for a solution or a new match together.
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