Communication & Confidentially

Ce sujet se trouve dans la rubrique : Guide à l'intention des bénévoles chargés de l'accompagnement
Dernière mise à jour : 28 juin 2026 à 15 h 45

Between sessions
You and your Buddy are free to communicate between sessions - a WhatsApp message to check in, share something, or confirm your next meetup is completely normal and encouraged. That said, if communication becomes very frequent or starts to feel like it's shifting in nature, take a step back and reflect. It may be worth mentioning to the coordination team. See also the Relationships & Boundaries section.

How to communicate
Your Buddy may come from a very different cultural background, speak a different first language, or have had experiences that affect how they communicate and receive communication. A few things to keep in mind:

  • Be patient. Language barriers are real. If something gets lost in translation, try a different way rather than repeating the same words louder or faster.
  • Be direct but warm. In some cultures, indirect communication is the norm. In others, directness is expected. Pay attention to your Buddy's cues and adapt.
  • Avoid assumptions. Don't assume shared references around humour, religion, gender, family, or politics. When in doubt, ask rather than assume.
  • Check in, don't check up. There's a difference between showing you care and making your Buddy feel monitored. Keep your tone friendly and open.
  • Respect silence. Not every message needs an immediate reply. Not every meetup needs to be filled with conversation. Presence matters as much as words.

If you're unsure how to navigate a specific cultural or communication dynamic, reach out to the coordination team - we're happy to advise.

Confidentialité
What you and your Buddy share between you stays between you. You are not expected to report on the content of your conversations.

The exception is risk: if your Buddy discloses something that suggests they or someone else may be in danger, confidentiality can and should be broken. In that case, contact the coordination team immediately. See the Safeguarding & Crisis Situations section for guidance.