BuddyUp – Richmond and Kingston
Are you 14-17 years old and looking for more independence?
Want to try a new club or activity and make friends with other young people?
It is so easy to get involved! As long as you are 14-17 years old with an additional need and/or disability and you are a resident of the Kingston or Richmond Borough, you are eligible for the Richmond and Kingston BuddyUp Scheme.
What is the Richmond and Kingston BuddyUp project?
This service is for young people with disabilities or additional needs aged between 14-17 years and living in the Richmond or Kingston boroughs. BuddyUp works by matching young people up with their own young volunteer (‘buddy’) and aims to enable young people to increase independence and confidence by getting out and about more in their community. And of course it’s about having fun and building a friendship!
Who will buddy me?
We will take the time to talk to you and your family to learn more about your interests and hobbies. We ensure our volunteers are reliable, fun and enthusiastic and try to match them to our young people through similar tastes and interests. We will then give you and your family the chance to meet your volunteer buddy before getting started on BuddyUp.
Young people will be matched with a volunteer buddy who will support and encourage them to access activities and public transport, whilst building a real friendship. This is a great way to try new opportunities and to get out and about in your local area. Our buddy pairs go out for a few hours every fortnight at a time suitable for all – this can be during the day/after school/weekends or holidays!
How do I join BuddyUp?
It is so easy to get involved! As long as you are 14-17 years old with an additional need and/or disability and you are a resident of the Kingston or Richmond Borough, you are eligible for this scheme.
For more information on BuddyUp please email one of our coordinators.
For BuddyUp Richmond:
For BuddyUp Kingston:
Don’t just take our word for it…
When Tamara joined BuddyUp, she was excited to share fun outings and social time with new friends. She was paired with Rhea, her volunteer Buddy, and they clicked instantly – bonding over their love of animals, music, and shopping!
Here’s what Tamara, Rhea, and Tamara’s mum had to say about their BuddyUp experience.
“I like going on different outings with Rhea. It’s fun.”
Tamara
“BuddyUp is excellent as it enables Tamara to go out without me. It’s age appropriate and fun!”
Kate, Tamara’s Mum
“It has been a truly rewarding experience. Not just to see Tamara grow but also gaining a friend to explore my local area. Seeing her joy has reinforced my belief in the power of community support in the Richmond AID BuddyUp programme.”
Rhea, Volunteer Buddy
Become a Buddy – Make a Difference!
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Would you like to volunteer for our Buddy Up service, or know someone who’d be a great Buddy? Spend just a couple of hours twice a month supporting a young Disabled person to build independence, learn life skills, and have fun.
Contact our BuddyUp coordinators to find out more, or use the button below for further information and to apply.
