Buddies are a central line of contact for Ukrainians to support them in starting and sustaining life in Denmark. Being a buddy is about building a solid relationship that can cover a wide range of aspects of life. It can include personal talks, professional advice, or tips and tricks around life in Denmark and Danish society.

Who can participate in the Buddy Program?

Anyone who is committed to supporting and spending time with displaced people from Ukraine

How long does a buddy partnership last?

As long as you have fun together and want to do something together, you are buddies. There are no specifications.

How much time do the buddies spend together?

How often you meet up is entirely up to you and your buddy. It is best to decide at the beginning of the program how much time you can both spend.

Am I getting paid as a Buddy?

Being a buddy is voluntary, unpaid and there is no obligation in terms of time or willingness to help

What is important when you first get to know each other?

It is important that you discuss in the first talks what you would like to do together, where your special interests lie, where you as a Buddy can support and how much time you have for your partnership.

How am I supported by AUD as a Buddy?

We at AUD support buddies with information and offer exchanges with other people from our organization. We also organize regular meetings for the Buddies to incentivize knowledge sharing.

What happens if, as a buddy, I don’t know how to deal with a certain situation?

Difficult questions can always arise. But you will not be left alone with this. You will receive initial information and support from experts in an information afternoon at the beginning of the buddy program. They are also available for questions during your buddy partnership. The ÖIF can also be reached by phone or email to clarify urgent questions.

What happens at the joint meetings?

You can plan your time together according to your ideas! It is important that you discuss what you like to do or where a Buddy needs help: This can be support with learning German or with schoolwork. Or you do something fun together, do sports together or just chat – all of this can be part of the buddy program.

What is important when you first get to know each other?

How does the AUD support me as a buddy?

What happens if I don’t know how to deal with a certain situation?

What happens if the matched Ukrainian family/person and I don’t get along?

If you don’t feel comfortable together and don’t have fun, you can contact the AUD and you will be matched again.

Do I have to speak Ukrainian for my buddy partnership?

No. Knowledge of Ukrainian is an advantage, but not a must to be a buddy.

Do I have to report back to Aid Ukraine Denmark about the family/individual?

No, you do not have to keep Aid Ukraine Denmark informed but we will have some check-ins as we are interested in hearing about your experiences enabling us to share good advice with other Buddies and if there is more we can do to help.

Is it necessary to provide a criminal record notice?

The buddy is a volunteer and a third party point of contact which helps provide advice on everything from accommodation, immigration, contact to the municipality, education, job and well-being. We do not expect the buddy to be able to answer all questions. Aid Ukraine will help, guide and support the buddies along the families and individuals. It is not uncommon to cook an evening meal, help grocery shopping, visit the doctor or pharmacy or attend an appointment at the commune with the family or individual.

What is a good buddy?

We expect you to be a welcoming and friendly face to the Ukrainian family or person. Depending on the needs, we expect you to be available if they have questions or need guidance on matters related to accommodation, immigration, education, job and wellbeing. We do not expect the Buddy to be able to answer all questions. Please be aware that the families or individuals may be vulnerable and it can be challenging for them arriving in a new country. They might have limited financial resources and not speak English that well. Please be patient and contact Aid Ukraine Denmark if you have any questions or concerns about their wellbeing.