Buddies project gets £ 44k boost
A charity befriending project has received over £ 44,000 in funding to continue their work through to 2020.
South Ayrshire’s project ‘ Buddies’ has been awarded £ 44,319, thanks to the Young Start programme as part of Big Lottery, to continue to help the youngsters until March 31, 2020.
The charity, on Citadel Place in Ayr, have been providing support and group opportunities for young people aged 11- 18 years since June 2014.
The young people referred have experienced extreme social isolation as a direct result of having an additional support need or medical condition.
Some live with conditions such as Autistic Spectrum D i s o r d e r, m e d i c a l conditions, physical and learning disabilities, and mental health disorders.
The youth meet with an adult volunteer befriender for two to three hours every fortnight and take part in activities in their community.
They are also encouraged to attend group activities facilitated by staff and volunteers such as athletics, cooking or fishing in order for the young people to meet peers in a safe and supported environment.
Buddies is now recruiting new volunteers in order to support more young people within South Ayrshire and help them have new experiences, increase in confidence and independence.
If anyone would like further information about the Buddies Project, please contact Faye McCluskie on 01292 264000 or search www. bfriend. org. uk