Buddies Social Group
What is it?
Buddies is social group exclusively for young people with learning disabilities, and provides a safe, fun and varied environment to build and sustain friendships. The members meet every two weeks and take part in a range of activities from bowling to concerts, from dragon boating to trips to the salon and from cooking together to having a drink at the pub. They have even managed a weekend away at Butlins - an amazing opportunity to strengthen friendships, gain greater independence and really have fun. Buddies is gently steered by the Chiltern Centre team with help from volunteers some of whom were themselves once members of Buddies .
Why does it matter?
Too often young people with disabilities feel excluded from social activities. The places their peers go can feel overwhelming or inaccessible without additional support and the unique challenges that young people with learning disabilities face can make forming friendships particularly challenging. That's where Buddies comes in.
With the support of the Chiltern Centre team, members of Buddies Social Group have the opportunity to forge friendships and social connections. They enjoy a wide range of activities together, have fun and grow in independence. These friendships and the feeling of social inclusion they result in play a fundamental role in our Buddies gaining self-confidence and self esteem. Buddies Social Group empowers young people with learning disabilities to find joy in every day life. It changes lives.
"Sometimes we go out for meals, sometimes we get our nails done, sometimes we do parties, making food and looking after other people. Friends are Buddies.”
Rachael, Buddies member
