Buddies

We have three Buddies groups in West Sussex which provide a range of after school and weekend recreational opportunities for disabled teenagers in Horsham, Crawley and Mid Sussex. They are peer mentored by volunteers of their own age group who provide friendship and support for all their activities.

Our volunteer training programme is comprehensive and includes sessions about disability awareness, communication, equal opportunities, health & safety and safeguarding.

Activities have included everything from the everyday cinema and 10-pin bowling to events such as rock climbing and day trips to London. The disabled youngsters are able to suggest what activities they would like to do. All activities for our groups are risk assessed by our Leisure Development Co-ordinators and any special arrangements are made so we can be as inclusive as possible with all our activities and ensure the highest combination of enjoyment and safety.

The success of all three satellites demonstrates how essential this kind of scheme is for teenagers with a disability so that they can enjoy local facilities and activities in their own leisure time with their own friendship group.

Our young volunteers provide great enthusiasm and dedication in helping our Buddies members to increase their social skills and self confidence.

We can receive referrals direct from parents or their key professional. Once the referral has been received, our local Co-ordinator will arrange a home visit so they can meet the young person and get more information about what activities they enjoy doing or would like to do. Once this information is complete, we will send out the latest activities programme which can be returned with their preferences and availability.

For further information please contact:
Horsham: Jamie Bragan
Crawley: Lisa Hobbs
Mid Sussex: Matt York