Presbyterian Support Otago's buddy programme has a waiting list of 12 young people from the Taieri needing to be matched up with adult ''buddies''.
''We desperately need buddies,'' buddy co-ordinator Fiona Ross said.
Despite reaching out to community groups on the Taieri, Ms Ross had failed to generate any real interest from adults wanting to take part.
''People have been very supportive but no-one has stepped up to the line.''
The programme involves an adult committing about two hours a week to spending time with a young person doing everyday activities.
''It's about committing to being a constant in the life of a child.''
Each volunteer is trained and provided with continued support while taking part. They were also matched with a child who had similar interests.
''These are normal kids who need a bit more adult one-on-one.''
Taieri ''buddy'' John Parks (72) was one of the original Taieri volunteers in the programme and has been involved for about 15 years.
''It's pretty rewarding.''
Being a farmer made it easy to ''entertain'' children and about 80% of the time he got them involved in everyday farming activities.
''They help out on the farm. It gives them a sense of belonging.''
The majority of children he had been involved with had always been polite and well-behaved.
The monthly meetings for the ''buddies'' was a good chance to talk to others in the programme and share ideas and problems.
The buddy programme runs throughout Otago and 200 children a year are matched with buddies. In Dunedin there are 63 matched pairs and 50 on the waiting list.
In its 22-year history the programme has matched 1200 children.
